The Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) aquarium facility is a large, complex, multi-million-pound, state of the art, nationally unique, high containment aquatic facility and is an important part of national governmental veterinary infrastructure.
This facility enables research on aquatic animal diseases and invasive non-native species (INNS) under bio-secure conditions, and on harmful or potentially harmful chemicals impacting the environment. Work undertaken at the facility contributes to programs to control and mitigate risks to aquatic ecosystems, facilitate productive, sustainable aquaculture and to improve aquatic food safety. It also enables research into aquatic animal disease resistance, host-pathogen interactions, animal welfare, innovation and has productive research and development relationships with academic institutes and UKRI (UK Research and Innovation). The facility works under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
This role will provide business, science, and people leadership driving transformative change, innovation, and science excellence for Cefas.
Job Description
This role is required to provide strategic scientific, business and people leadership of the Cefas aquaria facilities. Your main duties and responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking the role of Establishment License Holder (ELH) and Named Person Responsible for Compliance (NPRC) required under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) providing duty of care with respect to regulated animals held or used in the facility.
- The provision of a world leading aquarium research capability and capacity for UK government enabling science excellence in delivery of existing and new programs for government, academic and commercial projects.
- Working as a single point of contact across Cefas for Principal Investigators, Science Directors, the Chief Scientists Office, Portfolio Leads, Project Managers and Health, Safety, Quality & Delivery Infrastructure to achieve the best outcomes for our Directorates.
- People leadership and management, with direct line responsibility, of a team of 7 Cefas scientists (EO to SSO, including those holding named people roles required under the provisions of ASPA), ensuring access to development opportunities for all staff, workforce planning, and provision of adequate resourcing (including ensuring out of hours rotas to cover 24-7 coverage for the facility).
- Responsible for the operational functioning of the facility’s infrastructure and in deciding on the investments in future equipment, and technology to maintain this facility’s leading-edge position both nationally and internationally.
- Leading on the development of strategic scientific partnerships with academia and others to maximize the future use of and scientific outputs from of the facility.
- Responsibility for management of contractors and researchers working in the facility.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person Specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Demonstrable leadership and management experience within an academic or other establishment working with protected animals (preferably fish) in a research and development capacity.
- Operational management experience, including abilities in the delivery of technically complex programs or facilities, and experience of successfully managing people/teams within such projects.
- Scientific outputs evidenced by peer review publications or high-quality reports in a relevant subject e.g., experimental science, animal welfare, veterinary diagnostics, environmental or biological sciences.
- Knowledge of biosecurity, animal welfare legislation, (including ASPA) and relevant codes of practice, and a strong commitment to the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) and establishing a culture of care.
- A strong commitment to health, safety, and quality with experience of working within quality frameworks.
Qualifications
A degree in veterinary science, or a higher degree in a relevant biological subject (e.g., aquatic animal health or welfare, aquaculture etc.).
Behaviors
We'll assess you against these behaviors during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
We only ask for evidence of these behaviors on your application form:
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Demonstrable leadership and management experience within an academic institute or establishment working with protected animals (preferably fish).
- Experience in business administration or management.
- Knowledge of biosecurity, animal welfare legislation, (including ASPA) and relevant codes of practice.
- A strong commitment to the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) and in establishing a culture of care.
- A strong commitment to health, safety, and quality with experience of working within quality frameworks.
- Excellent communication skills.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £49,403, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £13,338 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Generous annual leave entitlement—Cefas offers 25 days' annul leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen's birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme—more information can be found on the CSP website Home - Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
