Director of Reference Laboratory

About The Pirbright Institute  

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. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

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.

About the Pirbright Reference Laboratory

The Vesicular Diseases (VDRL) and Non-Vesicular Diseases (NVDRL) reference laboratories at Pirbright will be brought under single management with a new organisational and operational structure. The first step in this process is the appointment of a Director of the Pirbright Reference Laboratories, to shape this new structure to realise the benefits listed below:

• Greater exploitation of synergy and more cross talk between the VDRL and NVDRL. Some areas lend more easily to this synergy, such as core competence in key techniques and equipment used across laboratories.
• The new structure will build a more integrated and resilient disease emergency response capability. Response plans are reviewed annually but not tested internally. External exercises can be too public. For example, it is not clear if we can deliver an effective response to an outbreak of FMD or ASF. Furthermore. a simultaneous outbreak with two diseases creates more uncertainties as this has never been tested internally. Merging into one management structure would provide better preparedness and integration across the different response groups. It will develop a more uniform laboratory system across diseases relying on common and shared technology, challenging historical practice to adopt best practice.
• Cross training for Defra surveillance contract staff, building a team collective to reduce silos and establish single group culture. This will benefit staff engagement and motivation to reduce human led incidents.
• Enhance high-throughput sequencing capability to support responses to emergencies by implementing an overarching strategy and operational plan across the reference laboratories and the wider Institute. This function currently delivers a capability across a spectrum of diseases and multiple teams including research.
• Consolidation of commercial functions to build resilience, enhance support towards Reference Laboratory activities and potentially increase efficiency, for example DDT and Disinfectant testing.
• Improved mechanisms to align Reference Laboratory and ISP impacts, principally through joint activities. Even though they are not ISP funded there is clear leverage from alternative funding sources in both directions.
• Develop and measure initiatives to increase visibility of VDRL and NVDRL staff in wider science programmes. Including greater science inputs into Defra research grants.
• Review the delivery of Defra contracts, especially the surveillance contract. Changes in disease trends can change the priorities to deliver National Reference Laboratory capabilities.
• A single Reference Laboratory will reduce financial and operational complexity which makes it less challenging to manage staff time, project costs, and overall capacity. Project by project budget management has led to significant end‑of‑grant transfers, underspends on other grants particularly DEFRA and avoidable extensions. Commercial activity is fragmented, reducing consistency, while Reference Laboratory contracts are increasingly overloaded. Bringing the Reference Laboratory and commercial teams into a single unified area would simplify governance and improve financial control and consistency. A single integrated team would also enable a more effective response during outbreak situations, reducing reliance on overtime and staff funded from other grants.
• Streamlining of workflows in LIMS will optimise capacity and reduce costs. Managing changes to projects based on diseases in LIMS will be standardised across Reference Laboratories reducing the costs imposed from external consultants and removing bespoke workflows based on individual teams’ idiosyncrasies.
• A single structure will also reduce the burden accreditation requirements and internal quality assurance tasks.

About the role 

The Director of Pirbright Reference Laboratory (RL) is the strategic lead for the development and management of a single reference laboratory with focus to deliver Pirbright’s commitment towards Defra surveillance as part of National Capability.

The role will act as the key interface between Defra, APHA, national agencies, local authorities, and expert bodies. They will work closely with the Head of World Reference Laboratory in preparing and responding to disease emergencies ensuring an agile response sharing and improving capability.

This is a strategic leadership role with overall responsibility and accountability to build and establish the Pirbright RL with the necessary and adequate capability and organisational structure to provide a sustained response during emergency events and for day to day surveillance activities. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership accountability:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Pirbright RL ensuring all responsibilities required of the RL are met, adequate resources are available to meet those responsibilities, the RL operating model is financially sustainable, and day to day activities are delivered to a high-quality standard.
• Ensure the provision of disinfectant efficiency testing for Defra meets contractual obligations.
• Lead on the development, implementation and improvement of the RL assurance framework with the aim to streamline processes, improve use of resources and enhance capability. 
• Provide scientific and technical leadership to staff and support their continued professional development by promoting a positive culture.

National Capability accountability:

• Enhance and improve the NRL diagnostic testing portfolio by maintaining a scope of accreditation that is cost effective, competent and understand and meet the expectation from stakeholders, regulators and customers.  
• Acting as the lead for the Defra surveillance; contract establish and monitor NRL performance indicators, risk and issues registers, and enhance the service delivery provision.
• Lead the RL involvement in international capacity building projects to improve the UK capability response.
• Lead on responses for outbreak activities in the UK and beyond ensuring emergency responses within Pirbright are effective, up to date and tested. Maintain clear lines of communication with disease experts and the WRL, execute contingency planning, outbreak exercises, ring trials (where appropriate funding is available), reagent supply and other business continuity planning.
• Ensure Pirbright is represented in dedicated national and international networks e.g. WOAH, FAO, enhance the RL profile in networks, committees, and/ or consortiums. 

Research and Scientific Contribution:

• Develop a programme for the RL to contribute to the overall Pirbright strategic applied research activities, i.e. Defra funded R and D projects.
• Lead on the enhancement of the project.

Safety & Assurance

• Foster a positive, collaborative and safety-focused team ethos by proactively leading by example in supporting health, safety, biosafety and environmental compliance..

Role Requirements 

Essential

• PhD in a relevant field and substantial experience as a group leader.
• Proven success in building and sustaining a diagnostic group with a consistent track record of productivity and impact.
• Proven record on managing surveillance and emergency disease responses.
• Proven success on influencing policy.
• Strong record of securing, managing, and delivering Defra funding.
• International reputation for scientific excellence and disease expertise in high profile forums.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience influencing stakeholders at senior levels.
• Proven leadership and management of diverse and multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable

• Proven experience of working in a highly regulated environment.
• Lead auditor to an international standard, i.e. ISO/IEC 17025.
• Understanding of ISO 170243.

What Pirbright offers you 

•  A supportive and collaborative working environment with a strong sense of community. 
• Campus in a semi-rural location with free on-site parking and good transport links. 
• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life assurance (subject to age and earnings). 
• 25 days annual leave plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with service. 
• Enhanced Maternity package.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks' annual leave.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Childcare allowance.
• Access to chargeable electric car charging facilities.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to on-site facilities including subsidised staff restaurant
• Options to join our on-site fee paying gym, social club and allotments club. 

Ready to make a difference? 

If you are an experienced laboratory management professional seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity within a prestigious scientific institute, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026

Important notice 

• The Pirbright Institute is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our workforce. 

• 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. 
• All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies, and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.