Salmonella Typing Lead

Working under the umbrella of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is the government agency responsible for keeping the nation safe from animal disease, identifying infections that may impact on people, the environment, and the economy. We also respond to disease outbreaks, conduct scientific research, and support the international trade of animal products and plants – meaning our work is high profile and fascinating.

The Bacteriology Department is seeking a Lead for Salmonella serotyping team. The Lead will ensure that Salmonella typing capability is maintained to the highest standards, supporting surveillance activities and the work of the National and International Reference Laboratory for Salmonella in animals. Applicants with a strong science background, communication skills & demonstrable experience of leading scientific teams are invited to apply. Applicants must have significant expertise and experience in managing in a working ACDP Category 2 microbiology laboratory in accordance with required safety standards. Applicants should have a graduate or post-graduate qualification.

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.

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: 12 August 2026.

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