Defra Group Assistant Bacteriology Scientist

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of Defra, the Scottish and Welsh Governments. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of our environment, and the economy.

We have opportunities for junior scientists to join multidisciplinary teams in the Department of Bacteriology and play a key role in delivering the varied work of this busy department. All positions involve laboratory work (some under SAPO containment laboratory conditions), which may include testing samples for diagnostic monitoring or research purposes, testing disinfectants, or producing, testing and standardisation of reagents. Some posts require availability to sample farms, hatcheries, abattoirs and feedmills. This physically demanding work is rewarded by the opportunity to visit rural areas of the country and to learn more on the UK livestock industry by direct experience.

We are looking for applicants with a minimum of “A” levels or equivalent in science related subjects. Enthusiastic and self-motivated applicants, with basic microbiology and/or immunology knowledge are invited; they should have the ability to organise their own work and time and have an interest in the food animal production sector.

Depending on existing skills and experience candidates may be expected to enrol on an appropriate apprenticeship scheme which will involve day release to a local college, some self-study and will lead to a formal scientific qualification.

Staff based at APHA Weybridge 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 CTC residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have at least 3 years continuous UK residency. If you cannot meet this criteria CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks before taking up the post.

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 contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer flexible working.

Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 10 June 2024.

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