Job Opportunity at The Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Near Newbury, Berkshire, UK


Head of Histology Services 

£20,600 to £24,500 depending on qualifications and experience

Compton, Near Newbury

The Institute for Animal Health, sponsored by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, is a major national and international resource for research on infectious diseases of farm animals.  In some areas the relevance of its work extends into human health. The Institute is located on three sites Compton Laboratory, Newbury, Berkshire; Pirbright Laboratory, Guildford, Surrey; Neuropathogenesis Unit, Edinburgh.

Due to recent expansion in our programme of research on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in sheep, the Institute is building a Containment Level 3 histology laboratory to process tissues from TSE-infected sheep and rodents. We are seeking to recruit an experienced histologist to set up and run this facility, and to manage the existing routine histology laboratory. 

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline,  and extensive experience of processing tissues for histology and  use of different staining techniques, including immunohistochemistry.  Experience of working with Category 3 pathogens and implementing health and safety regulations would be an advantage.  The appointee will be expected to implement quality assurance systems, and experience in this area would also be desirable.

The post-holder will be encouraged to take an active role in different research programmes.

The Institute offers subsidised childcare / nursery schemes, staff restaurant and free parking. Annual leave is 25 days on appointment plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays.  The pension scheme is analogous to the Civil Service scheme, with a nominal contribution level from employees.

Further details and an application form (which should be returned by 21st February 2003) are available from Mrs. R. Day, Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Newbury, Berks RG20 7NN (Tel: 01635 577203; e-mail iah.vacancies@bbsrc.ac.uk) quoting reference number 05/544.  Website: www.iah.bbsrc.ac.uk