Laboratory Manager

Animal and Plant Health Agency - Outbreak Response Team (ORT)

Location:Addlestone, New Haw Salary:£38,795 pro rata if applicable Hours:Full Time, Part Time Contract Type:Permanent Placed On:14th April 2026 Closes:12th May 2026 Job Ref:455883 Salary: £38,795. Pro-rata salary for job share. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

Location: New Haw, South East England, KT15 3NB

APHA diagnostic activity focuses on protecting the UK against the threat of a wide variety of animal diseases. Diagnostic activity undertaken at APHA provides the scientific evidence that allows the Agency to respond to incursions of disease agents and supports policy reactivity in cases of notifiable disease outbreaks for the Government. As an HSO scientist in the Outbreak Response Team (ORT), you will be working on frontline outbreak response. Your role will involve working in a multidisciplinary diagnostic team at APHA using a range of UKAS accredited assays to investigate submitted samples. Work will primarily focus on the diagnosis of avian notifiable disease but may also involve mammalian influenza should a swine influenza outbreak occur. These roles will require a strong understanding of molecular, serological and potential anatomical diagnostic evaluation. The highly collaborative nature of these posts will require close interaction between departments within APHA including pathology and epidemiology in support of diagnostic evaluation. It may also involve interactions with national and international stakeholders to present findings, share data, and potentially host or visit partner institutions.

The posts will be required to work within high containment facilities and require staff to work in a safe and responsible manner as necessary for competent containment laboratory working. The role will involve supervisory and team working both within the ORT and with other colleagues, which will include practical understanding of SAPO4/ACDP3 containment working. Clear scientific and managerial communications are also essential attributes, which are centred on diagnostic excellence to UKAS accredited standards; both ISO 17925 and 9001.

APHA Virology is a multi-disciplinary department with internationally recognised expertise on a wide range of viruses. This is a particularly exciting time to join the Defra group. The programme of work on AI at APHA has a strong international dimension and focus, seeking to apply better diagnostic solutions to support threat mitigation and control, to protect UK and global food security.

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing scientific and personal development through appropriate training. You will also enjoy excellent Civil Service benefits including a Civil Service pension.

Closing date: 12 May 2026.