Head of Diagnostic Laboratory

Head of Diagnostic Laboratory

We are looking for a laboratory manager who will have primary responsibility for our expanding aquaculture diagnostic laboratory operations, principally PCR, histopathology and microbiology, at PHARMAQ Analytiq in Inverness, Scotland. The Head of Diagnostic Laboratory will work as part of the management team in Inverness with support from technical colleagues in Norway to improve and grow our well-established laboratory service offering to aquaculture in the UK.

About the company:

PHARMAQ Analytiq limited, previously Fish Vet Group, are a leading multi-disciplinary aquaculture laboratory and consultancy providing diagnostic, environmental and veterinary services to aquaculture producers in the UK and overseas.

PHARMAQ Analytiq has operations in Scotland, Ireland, Norway and Chile and together represents the world’s largest specialist aquaculture health supplier. 

PHARMAQ Analytiq is part of Zoetis, the world's leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Oversight of the performance and delivery of each of PHARMAQ Analytiq’s UK-based diagnostic laboratory service lines (histopathology, microbiology and PCR)
• Line management of diagnostic laboratory staff
• Responsibility for managing the diagnostic laboratory inside budget including management of supplier contracts
• Responsibility for maintaining relevant accreditations and certifications
• Contribute to strategic discussions within senior management and global diagnostics/laboratory teams
• Maintain and verify diagnostic SOPs and procedures
• Maintain, manage, and approve staff training
• Fielding of some technical enquiries from existing and new clients
• Oversee the design, implementation or improvement of new service lines, diagnostic assays or methods

Applicants will hold at least BSc-level degree in biology, biotechnology or related subject or have formal training as a biomedical scientist. Formal training or qualification in laboratory management (including laboratory regulations, good laboratory practice, LMS and quality standards is highly desirable).

Experience in a leadership position within a commercial or research laboratory is required, alongside experience or familiarity with key diagnostic processes e.g. realtime RT-PCR, histopathology and microbiology.