Overview
The post holder will report directly to the Head of Sustainable Livestock Systems Branch (SLS).
The key responsibilities of the post holder are as follows:
- Leading management of SLS laboratory including staff, facilities, equipment and providing supporting input to other sections in SLS branch.
- Contributing to the preparation of section, branch and division business planning, staff reporting, management of budgets and ensuring compliance with Health and Safety, and other relevant legislation.
- Leading the delivery of critical and complex statutory and/or commercial testing programmes to achieve the goals of the Branch. Liaising with Project Leaders and inspectorate staff for the acquisition of samples, maintenance of analytical processes and reporting of data. This impresses a high level of KPI.
- Leading of analytical test methods, budgeting cost of analysis, volume of samples, and prioritizing analysis.
- Leading the development and maintenance of the laboratory information management system, with focus on development of a new system.
- Leadership role in the Forage Analytical Assurance Proficiency Testing scheme, contributing technical knowledge, data review and data assessment.
- Leading management, optimisation and troubleshooting of existing test methods employed within the Branch, ensuring that these are fit for purpose and operating within validation parameters.
- Leading development of new tests methods and implementation of new testing methodologies.
- Management of Planned Preventative Maintenance /Servicing laboratory equipment and facilities.
- Technical manager for UKAS ISO17025 accreditation as relevant. This includes the implementation and monitoring of the LIMS (Laboratory Information management System) and providing leadership to validation teams in preparing methods for accreditation as required.
- Providing support for scientific staff within AFBI, validating test results when requested, and producing reports using validated results.
- Recording/reviewing non-conformances, co-ordinating corrective actions as required.
- Contributing to development, management, and delivery of research projects both internally and externally funded.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant Health and Safety policies and using electronic quality management system for the drafting, approval, and review of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), standard operating procedures and risk assessment documents, supervising staff, ensuring adherence to the content of same.
- Leading the preparation of business cases and obtaining quotes for planned purchases of equipment, consumables including test kits, laboratory gases, chemicals etc. Ensuring team members adhere to procurement procedures.
- Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, scientific literature, and scientific developments in the laboratory analysis of feeds, forages and livestock related materials and to demonstrate personal development in all relevant areas of managing scientific programmes, staff and resources.
- The post-holder will be expected to provide expert and specialist advice on issues related to their area of expertise to AFBI senior management and relevant stakeholders as required.
The successful candidate will normally be required to work 5 days each week, totalling 37 hours. On occasions there may be a requirement to work outside normal hours which will attract the appropriate pay and allowances. AFBI operates a flexi working system.
Salary
Currently the salary for the post will be within the range £42,315 – £45,351 (£47,304 – £49,515 with effect from 1st August 2025), within which pay increases will be on an incremental basis provided staff performance reports are satisfactory.
Application
Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 02nd May 2025.
We would particularly welcome applications from females and those from a Roman Catholic background.
