Location
Colindale, Edgware, London. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£60,494 - £70,566 per annum

About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is committed to being an employer of choice, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion where Everyone Matters. The Team Leader role is based between UKHSA Porton and Colindale sites within the High Containment Microbiology (HCM) department, which undertakes work on the highest categorisation of human and animal pathogens (Hazard Group 4) to support UK and international clinical and research needs.

The Team Leader will lead and manage project teams, working closely with other team leaders to ensure the successful delivery of clinical and research projects on Hazard Group 4 viruses. Responsibilities include developing and optimising virology and immunological assays, identifying and implementing new techniques and technologies to enhance virus detection capabilities, and actively seeking project opportunities and external funding.

The role requires working at Containment Level 4 and fulfilling all training and security clearance requirements. The Team Leader will work across sites and multidisciplinary teams, contribute to scientific strategy, conduct research and development, and maintain compliance with safety, security, quality, and financial systems.

Key duties include coordinating diagnostic support and research programmes for ACDP Hazard Group 3 and 4 pathogens, working in CL3 and CL4 laboratories, developing external collaborations, preparing reports and publications, and supporting health and safety standards and UKHSA values and behaviours.

This role offers the opportunity to develop your own areas of expertise within a cutting-edge scientific environment focused on high consequence pathogens.

Experience
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in virology, immunology, microbiology, or a related discipline.
- Extensive post-doctoral experience in virology and/or high containment microbiology.
- Practical knowledge of a wide range of molecular virology methods.
- Proven expertise in leading scientific projects, meeting targets, and complying with safety, security, quality, and financial systems.
- Experience training, managing, and leading project teams.
- Strong communication skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

About you
- Ability to work effectively in high containment environments (Containment Level 3 and 4).
- Proactive in identifying and implementing new techniques and technologies.
- Skilled at building and nurturing links with external organisations in academia and industry.
- Committed to maintaining health and safety competence and adhering to UKHSA values and behaviours.
- Willingness to work across multiple sites and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to secure external funding and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Security Clearance at SC level required.
- Competence in Containment Level 3 and 4 laboratories with all relevant training and vetting completed.