Quality Advisor

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

The Quality Advisor will ensure the requirements of The Pirbright Institute Quality Management System (QMS) are adhered to, maintained, and improved. The successful candidate will work closely with rest of the team to ensure that Pirbright processes are managed effectively and maintained to the highest standards and, where possible, continuously improved.

The Quality Advisor will support the Senior Quality Advisor in the day-to-day activities that ensure the proper functioning of the QMS. Where required, the Quality Advisor will also support the Head of Quality & Organisation in initiatives.The team also manages and provides troubleshooting support for specialist software such as Q-Pulse and Freezerworks.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Management, improvement, and administration of the Pirbright Quality Management System, which will include: 75%

• Undertake quality investigations ensuring process targets are met and effective root cause analysis is performed.
• Prepare dashboards for trend analysis and performance indicators. Prepare and collate information for management reviews.
• Conduct internal audits, as per annual plan, to different international standards and regulations, with the aim of fostering a continuous improvement culture across Pirbright.
• Collate necessary information in preparation for external assessments, customer visits, and any requests for information.
• Deliver quality training to Pirbright staff as required.
• Owner of change control process within area of responsibility driving change and ensuring proper impact analysis is completed. Share best practice across the organisation. Support other areas through management of change by coordinating change control.
• Contribute to continuous improvement with the aim to enhance our positive quality culture, productivity, profitability, and customer service.
• Guide and assist other business areas with their management system documentation and process improvements. Implement action plans as required by monitoring progress of quality plans.

Other tasks: 25%

• Responsible for the management and enhancement of specialist software packages such as Q-Pulse and/ or Freezerworks. Troubleshoot as required and liaise with end users.
• Provide support and guidance in managing the offsite archive by liaising with Pirbright staff and contractors as necessary.
• Deputise for other team members during absence periods or as needed.
• Promote and practice a cross divisional/cross discipline working ethos.
• Maintain a safe and productive working environment.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

Personal Specification

Time management, decision making/problem solving skills, strong attention to detail, capacity to work alone and as part of a team, able to critically analyse own work, systematic and flexible, ability to meet deadlines and results driven.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• Educated to a life sciences degree or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of ISO/ IEC 17025.
• Working knowledge as a quality advisor within a laboratory environment.
• Effective communication skills that can translate technical information for a non-technical audience.
• Ability to effectively train others e.g., presentation skills.
• Ability to own and perform effective root cause analysis, formulate, and apply simple yet robust corrective actions.

Desirable

• Experience of practical skill as an internal auditor to ISO/ IEC 17025.
• Experience on completing validation of new methods.
• Working experience of Q-Pulse and/ or Freezerworks (or other biobanking software).
• Train the trainer.

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
• Pirbright social club.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work.
• Subsidised employee restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Electric car charging facilities.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.