Senior Immunologist

This post offers the successful candidate the opportunity to receive an additional pay supplement of £2,500 upon appointment. Please see under 'salary' for further information. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency safeguards animal health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy by identifying, managing and eradicating animal diseases. Working in an exciting scientific environment identifying and combatting viral diseases in livestock, we are looking for an experienced immunologist to work in the mammalian virology group to play a major part in helping us to improve animal health. Leading scientific research into the interaction of viral pathogens of mammalian livestock with their hosts and the mechanisms that vaccines employ, you will undertake investigations to improve disease control. It is varied and exciting work where you will be part of a vibrant, intellectually curious team. You will design and complete projects, oversee day-to-day laboratory work in standard and high containment facilities. As a senior scientist, you will provide immunological expertise across the group, developing junior team members and students, and oversee flow cytometry and high-plex spatial imaging across the team. To share knowledge, we will expect you to publish in high impact peer-reviewed journals, present your work on both the national and international stage and to develop collaborative research proposals to funding bodies. An established researcher, with a track record in immunology and with an understanding of virology or infectious diseases, is sought. To interrogate host-pathogen interactions you will also have an appreciation of -omics technologies and systems approaches. In return for your dedication, we offer development opportunities, and you will also enjoy Civil Service benefits.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,500, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £12,891 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 day 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.

Closing date: 26 August 2025.

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