Microbial Genomics Scientist – Bovine TB Genomics (ID 4026)

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy. The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.

The bovine tuberculosis (BTB) Genotyping team within the Bacteriology Department are currently looking for a Microbial Genomics Scientist responsible for the processing of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, phylogenetic and modelling analysis to support epidemiological investigations of BTB outbreaks, including generation of reports and liaison with stakeholders to support on interpretation of findings. This role may also involve cover laboratory work in Containment level 3 (CL3) facilities for preparation of cultures and maintenance of the TB isolate collection.

This role is being offered as a permanent appointment as a microbial genomics scientist in the BTB Genotyping team. APHA have been using WGS routinely since 2021 as a surveillance tool for diagnostic and molecular characterisation approaches for BTB. You will be responsible for :

Analysis of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, phylogenetic and modelling analysis to support and contribute to the surveillance and control of bovine TB.

Production of technical reports presenting the data, results and conclusions

Provide support and advice to field epidemiologists, veterinarians and other members of staff on the interpretation of results

Strengthen APHA’s bioinformatics by investigating, developing and validating analysis methods and workflows

Support research projects from project design to data analysis and report / scientific paper writing

Build network of and liaise with national and international collaborators (e.g. collaborating institutes, Public Sector Establishments and Universities)

Willing to be trained to work in Containment level 3 (CL3; training will be provided) facilities to cover for the following duties : perform cultures, heat-inactivate isolates and maintain the TB culture collection

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