Animal and Plant Health Agency

Senior Research Scientist – Emerging Virus Research Team

Salary: £40,262 - £44,724 Pro-rata salary for job share

Contract type: Fixed Term, Loan, Secondment

Length of employment: Post is funded until Sept 2026.

Working pattern: Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Reference number: 280345

At the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), our broad aim is to improve disease control in the UK. As one of our senior research scientists, you’ll play a key role in achieving this aim by the investigation of veterinary viruses, particularly those that are notifiable and/or may have zoonotic potential.

The Role

You’ll take the lead and execute research on Hepatitis E virus. You’ll manage your own research objectives, designing approaches for investigations, hitting key milestones and publishing results. In addition, you’ll contribute to the research strategy for our Mammalian Virology workgroup, as well as monitoring for emerging viruses and providing crucial support on our disease emergency responses as required.

Beyond this, you’ll provide consultancy on these viruses to stakeholders such as the UK government and Industry. You will line manage and supervise staff and students to help develop the next generation of scientists. You will also assist the team to maintain the appropriate quality standards and a safe working environment.

Who we’re looking for

Ideally a veterinarian, with experience in virology. Applications from seasoned laboratory-based virologists with experience in field studies or similar are also welcomed. Experience of working on and the management of multi-disciplinary projects with multiple partners is desirable.

You’ll also be a skilled communicator with strong analytical capabilities and relationship-building skills. You’ll also have a good knowledge of safety and quality standards.

What’s in it for me?

In return you’ll have access to training and development; civil servants are encouraged to have a minimum of five days of learning and development each year.

You’ll also receive:

• 25 days holiday (rising over 5 years to 30 days), 8 Bank holidays, and an additional day in May to mark the Queen’s birthday
• Flexible working options where appropriate
• A choice of two pensions schemes
• A staff recognition scheme
• Interest free loans towards season tickets, or the cost of a bike

About us

At the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), we are proud to use our professionalism and expertise to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of the environment, the economy and the millions of people who live here.

At APHA, you will be part of a diverse team of over 2,000 skilled and committed professionals who share this inspiring goal. Together, we protect endangered wildlife, conduct research into bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases and vaccines, facilitate international trade in animals, identify and control endemic and exotic diseases, and manage a programme of bee inspections, diagnostics, research and training.

Related skills: Life Science, Cell & Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Laboratory

Employer: Animal and Plant Health Agency

Website: Animal and Plant Health Agency

Closing date: 18th June, 2023.

Please quote reference number: 280345

Please submit your application by clicking the Apply Now button.