Campylobacter Team Leader (SD23/134)

Working pattern: Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

This role is to provide scientific expertise and leadership to the National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter in animals. The post-holder will lead and manage the Campylobacter team, that sits within the Field Epidemiology workgroup in Bacteriology. The role will ensure the delivery of bacteriological testing to ISO17025 standard that will support the delivery of surveillance and research projects on zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. The post-holder will be responsible for the communication of findings to colleagues, funders, stakeholders and partners. The post-holder will represent the Campylobacter team and the wider workgroup at national and international meetings. The role includes project planning and writing proposals for work to assist policy makers in the control of zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance, this may involve collaborative partners and include international opportunities. 

The post-holder will provide deputy support for Campylobacter disease consultant and test consultancy for Campylobacter and Enterococcus.

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based at the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the CTC residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have between 3 to 10 years continuous UK residency depending on the level of security required.

The main areas of responsibility will be:

• To manage the Campylobacter National Reference Laboratory (NRL) team and lead on fulfilling statutory requirements of the NRL, including where this relates to AMR surveillance in Campylobacter and Enterococcus.
• To deputise for the disease and test consultant roles for Campylobacter and to lead on consultancy related to Enterococcus.
• To work as part of the senior workgroup leadership team to manage and organise a wide range of investigations with particular emphasis upon farm-based research into foodborne zoonoses, particularly Campylobacter. The main focus of this work will be investigations in the poultry industry, although work with other species and abattoir work will also be accommodated.
• To maintain and further develop personal expertise in specific aspects of foodborne disease and antimicrobial resistance in livestock production (bacteriological, molecular epidemiological, etc.) and assist with providing expert consultancy and advice on behalf of APHA to government and other public and private bodies.
• To disseminate research and surveillance results through scientific publications, reports and presentations, both nationally and internationally.
• To develop further links between APHA and the relevant industry and regulatory sectors and relevant scientific, veterinary and hygiene representatives at all levels along the food chain.
• To interface effectively with multidisciplinary team members comprising molecular epidemiologists, veterinary epidemiologists, risk assessors, mathematical modellers and statisticians in the APHA and other collaborating organisations within Europe and globally.
• To formulate new research project proposals according to the post holder’s expertise and experience, and APHA and policy priorities.
• To read, understand and implement my responsibilities as team leader as stated in the current live version of the APHA Health & Safety and quality policies

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