Biological Assessor (x3 posts)

Location: Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3LS

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Our aim is to protect public health, animal health, and the environment, and promote animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and effectiveness of veterinary medicines.

We have 3 vacancies as a Biological Assessor in our Biological Team.

These exciting and interesting jobs put you at the heart of the important work of the VMD’s Biologicals Section and the authorisation in the UK of biological/immunological veterinary medicinal products, including vaccines and novel therapy veterinary medicinal products.

Your primary role will be to assess data submitted by pharmaceutical companies in support of their applications for new marketing authorisations of veterinary medicines, variations of existing authorisations, and animal test certificates to conduct clinical field trials. You will work within a peer-reviewed environment and contribute to ensuring we make robust and transparent decisions based on scientific evidence. Your work plays a major part in assuring the quality, safety and efficacy, and availability of these veterinary medicines in the UK, and significantly contributes to the VMD meeting its public standards.

You must have relevant experience of biological/immunological veterinary medicine products gained within the pharmaceutical industry, a Regulatory Authority or relevant doctoral/post-doctoral research.

We are seeking candidates with experience of:

• Communicating complex scientific issues, in writing and face-to-face, with clarity and conviction in the face of tough negotiation or challenge.
• Writing and reviewing scientific publications or reports preferably scientific reports relating to the evaluation of quality, safety, efficacy and benefit/risk of biological/immunological VMPs including vaccines.
• Applying your analytical and problem-solving skills quickly to assimilate scientific and other information, identifying issues, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations.
• Prioritising continuous self-learning and development - identifying those areas that you need to develop to achieve your future objectives.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of current animal health welfare and topical veterinary issues

Qualifications:

A degree in veterinary medicine or in a relevant scientific life science discipline that is directly applicable to the assessment work of the Biologicals Team with pertinent postgraduate experience or Ph.D. equivalent.

Benefits

A work-life balance is key for us all. We offer flexible working as well as health, well-being and discount schemes. The annual leave package starts at 25 days per year and increases to 30 days over five years. We offer generous maternity, paternity, shared, and adoption leave.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Closing date: 21 July 2025.

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