Job Description

THE POSITION

This role is based within the Quality Control Restricted (QCR) Department at Pirbright and supports the testing and release of Foot and Mouth Disease antigen and vaccine batches in line with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory requirements. The position involves working in a high-containment laboratory environment and requires strict adherence to biosafety and compliance standards. The successful candidate will contribute to routine laboratory activities, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining high quality and safety standards.

Please note: The QCR technician must comply with Specified Animal Pathogen Order (SAPO) Level 4 biosafety requirements, which include but are not limited to changing clothing upon entry and exit and showering before leaving the area. The role also requires a 72-hour quarantine from animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) after working in the facility.

This is a fixed-term contract until 31st December 2027.

Tasks and Responsibilities

In this role, you will support the Quality Control function in delivering compliant and efficient laboratory operations. In particular, you will:

• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to perform laboratory and support activities
• Prepare test materials and reagents required for analysis
• Receive, log, and reconcile samples using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Perform routine laboratory testing, which may include:
  • Virus Neutralisation Test
  • Tissue Culture
  • Serotype Identification
  • Microcytopathic Infectivity Testing and Inactivation Kinetics
  • Physical Chemical Testing
  • Innocuity Testing
  • Sucrose Density Gradient 146S testing
• Participate in the review and update of documentation, including SOPs
• Support deviation investigations, including OOX and discrepancy processes, and contribute to change control activities
• Maintain laboratory areas, including cleaning and basic equipment maintenance
• Operate laboratory equipment such as autoclaves and formalin locks in accordance with procedures
• Ensure compliance with GMP, EHS, and biosafety regulations at all times
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities and quality initiatives

Requirements

• Ability to follow procedures accurately and work in a highly regulated environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance standards
• Good verbal and written communication skills in a professional setting
• Ability to organise work effectively, manage time, and prioritise tasks
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn internal systems
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Professional approach to work, with adherence to company values, policies, and safety requirements
• Willingness to work in a high-containment laboratory environment
• Experience with biological laboratory techniques (e.g. pipetting, microscopy, aseptic techniques) is advantageous but not essential
• Relevant education in a scientific discipline is preferred

The role is site-based and requires on-site presence in Pirbright.

Working hours are Monday to Thursday 08:00–16:30 and Friday 08:00–15:30 (37.5 hours per week).

WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to building an exceptional workplace through strong people practices and supportive HR policies.

To learn more about why BI is a great place to work, visit:
https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work