Senior Diagnostic Analyst

Description

Job Title: Senior Diagnostic Analyst

Location: PHARMAQ Analytiq UK Ltd, Inverness, UK

About the hiring company: PHARMAQ Analytiq Ltd, part of Zoetis, is at the forefront of providing innovative diagnostic solutions to the aquaculture industry. Based in Inverness, our facility is dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of farmed fish through high-quality molecular, histopathology and microbiology diagnostic services. We are committed to excellence in safety, compliance, and environmental stewardship.

Job Summary: PHARMAQ Analytiq Ltd is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to take on the role of Senior Diagnostic Analyst. This position will involve leading our bacteriology diagnostic work whileoverseeing Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality (EHSQ) within our diagnostic department. The successful candidate will ensure the diagnostic laboratories operate safely and complies with all regulatory requirements while delivering accurate and reliable diagnostic results. Time will also be spent assisting with the delivery of our routine diagnostic caseload, principally in our busy qPCR laboratory.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Microbiology Laboratory Management:
• Oversee the daily operations of the microbiology laboratory, including processing and analysis of samples for bacterial pathogens and providing high-quality bacteriology reports for fish samples submitted to our diagnostic departments via our online portal iWISE.
• Ensure the accurate identification, characterization, and documentation of fish pathogens. This will include using both conventional bacteriology and molecular tools.
• Extraction and archiving gDNA for molecular identification and sequencing of bacterial pathogens from fish samples.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, oversee maintenance schedules, and calibrate equipment.
• Ensure the availability of necessary reagents and materials and preparation of bacteriology media for both laboratory and customers use.
• Maintain the bacterial cultures stocks and update bacterial strains biobank.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff, trainee students and visitors, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
2. Environmental, Health, Safety (EHS) Management:
• Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive EHS policies and procedures to ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct regular EHS audits, risk assessments, and safety inspections, identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory standards, including GLP, and EHS regulations, and prepare for external audits with head of diagnostic department.
• Oversee waste management, including the safe disposal of biohazardous materials, and ensure proper environmental practices.
• Provide training and support to all staff on EHS protocols, emergency procedures, and best laboratory practices.
• Risk Management: Facilitate the review and update of EHS and quality risk assessments, keeping the team informed of potential hazards and mitigation strategies.
3. Quality Control Management:
• Oversee the daily operations of the quality management system (VIS), ensuring its continual improvement and alignment with evolving requirements and company activities.
• Implement and manage quality control measures for all diagnostic procedures, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability of results.
• Implement and coordinate the seamless integration of Quality Management System (QMS) requirements into daily laboratory operations.
• Actively participate in the implementation and enforcement of environmental, health, safety, and quality (EHSQ) protocols within the laboratory.
• Develop, review and maintain SOPs and other documentation for all laboratory processes.
• Review and analyse quality control data, identify trends or deviations, and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation for internal quality assurance processes and external regulatory bodies.
• ISO 9001:2015 lead: Drive the maintenance of the company's ISO 9001:2015 certification through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to quality standards.
• Act as the central contact for all EHSQ concerns, collaborating with the Head of Diagnostics to address environmental, health, safety, and quality issues effectively.
• Coordinate and implement activities to ensure the business adheres to all applicable legal regulations and industry best practices in the areas of quality.
• Deliver training and coaching sessions on quality topics as required, empowering colleagues with the necessary knowledge and skills.
• Monitor and report company Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to quality to the management team.
• Support the HoD and Operation director in the investigation of quality incidents, ensuring proper documentation and timely reporting to relevant authorities.

4. Staff support and collaboration.

o Support other diagnostic laboratory staff in their day-to-day tasks including PCR and histopathology teams.

o Communicate diagnostic results, EHSQ updates, and laboratory developments to internal and external stakeholders.

Required qualifications and skills:

• MSc in Microbiology, Veterinary Science, Aquatic Health, or a related field. A BSc holder with a significant laboratory experience will be also considered.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in a microbiology laboratory, preferably with a focus on fish health or aquaculture.
• Demonstrable capability in EHSQ management, including the development and implementation of safety and compliance protocols.
• Strong knowledge of bacteriological techniques, including culture methods, molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• In-depth understanding of relevant regulatory standards (e.g., GLP, EHSQ) and experience in preparing and managing audits.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication skills.
• High level of English language.

Desirable:

• PhD in relevant speciality is an assist.
• Previous experience in histopathology laboratory.
• Certification in EHS or quality management systems (e.g., NEBOSH, ISO 9001, ISO 14001).

Work Hours: Full time, 37hr/week.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including pension, healthcare, dental care, and other attractive offerings (details available upon request).
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• 25 days of annual leave.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the documents below as a single PDF via email to Head of diagnostics, Khalid Shahin at

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying for the advertised position.
• Contact details of three referee

PHARMAQ Analytiq UK Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues’ careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Connected to our purpose and Core Beliefs, at Zoetis, we lead with inclusion. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) focus helps create an environment where each colleague can thrive. Our commitment to DE&I begins with our leadership team of diverse backgrounds, experiences and ethnicities, and it is demonstrated in our support of our colleagues and the animal health industry. We have nine colleague resources groups whose members spread awareness, foster inclusivity and make a positive impact on our business and communities.

Our commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has earned us recognitions as a 2024 Catalyst Award recipient and a Top 50 Company for Workplace Fairness by Fair360 (formerly DiversityInc). Zoetis has also been named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality, a Best Company for Working Parents, a Top Company for Executive Women, among many others. Learn more here.

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