Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Architect (CR769)

Job summary

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes. Surveillance and Laboratory Services Department (SLSD) is one of the departments that makes up the Science Directorate.

SLSD provides a range of diagnostic testing and surveillance services on behalf of Defra and the devolved governments.

The APHA Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is used across the APHA Science Directorate, primarily within SLSD, both as a conventional LIMS and as a key data asset. It underpins Defra’s animal disease management capability by enabling efficient, timely, and accurate testing for animal diseases and pathogens. This ensures outbreaks can be contained, UK agriculture remains protected, imports and exports of live animals are biosecure, and confidence in the UK’s disease‑free status for food and farming is strengthened.

The Grade 7 APHA LIMS Architect will oversee the direction of and the scientific architecture within APHA’s extensive and complex LIMS system. This role will work closely with APHA Science and technology leaders and with colleagues from Defra’s IT department – Digital Data Technology Security (DDTS) – to create an ambitious vision for APHA’s LIMS system as well as a realistic and deliverable roadmap that delivers on this vision.

This role will prioritise investing in APHA’s current LIMS system to ensure it is more resilient and secure, accelerating the digitisation and transformation of the way APHA carries out its Science and improving the scientific services we offer to internal and external customers.

Job description

LIMS Architecture

• Refine APHA’s scientific and business requirements and translate them into architectural patterns and solutions within the LIMS system.
• Collaborate with APHA’s IT delivery teams to ensure these solutions are developed, ensuring resilience, performance, efficiency, and supportability.
• Align work with other architects and technical professionals to maintain consistency across systems.
• Establish and communicate architectural principles, patterns, and constraints to ensure technically sound implementation.

Roadmap and backlog management

• Align roadmap with strategy: Ensure the LIMS roadmap supports organisational objectives, industry best practices, and long-term value.
• Architectural oversight: Assess impacts of roadmap and backlog changes, balancing priorities, risks, and opportunities to minimise downtime.
• Integrated backlog management: Govern feature and engineering backlogs holistically, linking near-term delivery with strategic roadmap goals.

Strategy for the “Future LIMS”

• Craft an ambitious vision for APHA’s future LIMS, incorporating new technologies, automation, and digitisation opportunities for enhanced efficiency and scientific service delivery.
• Support strategy development that aligns with organisational goals, challenging assumptions, and identifying new opportunities.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all LIMS system developments align with accreditation standards (e.g., ISO17025, GLP) through robust system testing and documentation.

Cross-Government and Industry Alignment

• Build relationships across government, academia, and the private sector to share best practices and knowledge in LIMS system management.
• Monitor technology trends to identify improvement opportunities for APHA’s LIMS.

Supplier Liaison

• Lead communication with external suppliers for service improvements or system upgrades, providing architectural insight to guide effective collaboration.
• Minimise time spent on technical discovery by aligning suppliers’ contributions with APHA's needs.

Scientific Awareness

• Develop and maintain awareness in APHA’s science, representing scientific needs to IT departments, governance boards, and forums.
• Actively network within the APHA community to align strategic goals with technical and scientific requirements.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Build the architecture and design framework for APHA’s LIMS.
• Define strategy and play a central role in assuring services.
• Ensure and assure the continued alignment of LIMS solution development & delivery with APHA’s, Defra’s, and broader government’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure and assure the continued alignment of LIMS solution development & delivery with APHA’s legal, regulatory, and compliance obligations.
• Regularly collaborate and find agreement with senior stakeholders, providing direction and constructive challenge.
• Contribute to the overall management of technical and operational risk in relation to the APHA LIMS systems & service.
• Contribute to the overall management of business continuity in relation to the APHA LIMS systems & service.
• Contribute to the overall management and improvement of performance in relation to the APHA LIMS systems & service.
• Be proactive in identifying problems and translating these into non-technical descriptions that can be widely understood.
• Act as a mentor and coach to junior colleagues and may also be required to functional manage on a project basis, though no direct line management responsibilities apply.

Person specification

Experience and skills:

• Experience with Thermo Fisher Scientific Sample Manager LIMS or other similar LIMS solutions.
• Extensive experience of Laboratory Information Management System Architecture, configuration, modification or programming.
• Experience in planning and creating solutions from complex Scientific customer requirements in relation to LIMS platforms.
• Advanced Skills in LIMS platform configuration.

Security clearance (Weybridge only)
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all postholders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicantsmust be currently resident in the UKhave at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.

Workplace arrangements
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home.

The post holder must work from one of the locations listed in the Location section of the advert. Subject to office capacity, the specific location can be discussed during the interview process.

The post will require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health and have any necessary health surveillance, including Respiratory & Skin Sensitisers. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Optimising LIMS data models
• LIMS systems design
• Presentation

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,375, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £16,331 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training as inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a generous employer contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in-year bonuses. We also offer additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi-time –if accumulated), three paid volunteering days per year. We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site. Further details can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.

Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake, please contact us via Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk with the vacancy reference number, your applicant reference number, and the closing date.

Application Process

You will be required to complete the following as part of your application:

• A CV-style application submitted through an online tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobs website. There is no requirement to upload your personal CV.
• A 750-word Personal Statement of how you match the details in the Personal Specification – the written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. We encourage you to use the full word allowance of the Personal Statement but not to exceed it
• A 250-word Behaviour Statement for the Behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture. Please use the STAR technique (Situation Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your application.

Initial Sift

Scoring for all criteria of the application is from 1 to 7 – A score of 4 and above will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications. In this instance, an initial sift will be conducted using the Lead Behaviour (Seeing the Big Picture). The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Any candidates applying under the Disability Confident Scheme who scores 4 or above on all of the criteria will be offered an interview. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

CV Guidance

Your CV should consist of your career history, including any key achievements and your main responsibilities in each role and be no longer than 2 pages. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your Personal Statement and scored against the essential criteria.

Personal Statement Guidance

When completing your Personal Statement, please read and understand the Person Specification thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against. Please ensure you evidence the key personal qualities and experiences that align with the criteria. Consider the Job Description and look to demonstrate how your previous experience may align with the expectations and be applicable to the role. The written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc.

For further guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV style application, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Careers website. How to write your CV , Civil Service Careers

Interview

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on

• Experience as detailed in the Person Specification section - Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK
• Technical skills (Optimising LIMS data models, and LIMS systems design) outlined in the advert following theSuccess Profiles: Technical - GOV.UK framework. These will be evaluated during the interview through a structured set of questions.
• Behaviours (Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions) The Behaviour criteria outlined in theSuccess Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UKframework for G7 positions. Please use the STAR technique (Situation Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your interview.
• You will also be required to give a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation, with slides, followed by 5-minute questions and answers. This will be assessed under the technical skills. Full details of the presentation will be given when you are invited for interview.

Your interview will be conducted face-to-face or online. You will be notified of the interview venue when you invited for interview.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Reserves

In the event of more than one candidate meeting the criteria, a reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates who do not meet the criteria for appointment at the advertised Grade, but are considered a ‘near miss’, may be offered a similar post at a Grade lower than the advertised role should one become available.

Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be appointed in merit order for each location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.

After the interview

Once all the interviews have been conducted, candidates will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are successful at the interview stage, we will be in touch to offer you a role. Offers will be made in merit order.

Location

Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location (excluding Northern Ireland) and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

Where multiple locations are listed, the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes. Please note that all listed locations are subject to desk availability.

Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation but not currently based at any of the advertised locations, may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. We would consider honouring current contractual bases subject to capacity and business need, this would be discussed and agreed at offer stage, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.

Candidates intending to be based at Weybridge must undergo additional criminal record checks. The level of security needed to be based at Weybridge is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC). Please note that these checks can take up to 6 months to complete and may delay your start date. See our vetting charter (opens in a new window)

The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations. For most candidates your hours of work will be a blend of working from an APHA workplace (specific to the team location) with working at home.

Periodic travel within the UK and Europe may be required to attend training courses, conferences and scientific meetings. If not based at the Weybridge site, regular visits to the site will be required e.g. minimum one visit per month (travel costs will be covered by the department).

Out of hours work may be required. When overtime or out-of-hours work is required, APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.

Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.

Working Pattern

The post is full-time; however, we may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged.

Salary

New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Criminal Record Check

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Internal Fraud Database Check

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

NSV

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Higher Security Clearance

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all staff based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK and have at least three years continuous UK residency in order to start the mandatory Counter Terrorist Check security checks that are required to work at APHA Weybridge. If you cannot meet this criterion, CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks before taking up the post. CTC is only required if based at Weybridge.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to DEFRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Science Directorate Recruitment Team
• Email : Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here

Attachments

Master-job-description_LIMS Architect CR769_ Edited Opens in new window (docx, 131kB)APHA Information Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1844kB)