Microbiology Scientist - National Reference Laboratory Support

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 safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of our environment, and the economy.

Do you have a passion for making a difference? Can you support our work protecting GB from exotic animal disease threats? An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Department of Bacteriology for a scientist to make an impact and develop their own skills and professional profile within our Exotic Bacteria Workgroup. The group deliver a wide portfolio of science focusing on exotic bacterial pathogens which threaten animal and public health. Activities include delivering or overseeing diagnostic testing in support of control programmes, national and international reference laboratory functions and underpinning research. Your work will help ensure GB remains free of these diseases and capable of responding if known or new exotic diseases emerge.

The successful candidate will support a number of National Reference Laboratories for exotic bacterial pathogens ensuring that laboratory capability is in place, with tests validated and accredited, and support any legislative, training and international outreach requirements around these laboratories.

This post is based at our specialised laboratory site in Weybridge, Surrey where an extensive redevelopment programme is underway to provide world-class facilities for our science and people.

We are seeking enthusiastic applicants with a strong science background, relevant experience, a broad knowledge of bacteriology and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

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.

A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.

Other Information

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 post holders 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 CTC residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have a minimum of 3 years continuous UK residency.

Closing date: 2 October 2025.

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