Head of Virology

About APHA

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 provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes. The Virology Department is one of many departments within the Science Directorate and has a mission to carry out vital to improve disease control in the UK, and as Head of Virology you’ll play a key role in leading the team.

The Role

As the Head of the Virology Department you will be proving leadership, including the initiation and development of strategic partnerships to deliver our work.

Strong managerial skills and in-depth awareness of the area of Virology will allow translation and delivery of portfolio and Agency strategic priorities. You will be responsible for the planning and delivery of the work including research integrity for the Virology Department to time, budget, quality and safety standards. Ensuring performance monitoring and development of staff whilst delivering business change including through the National Biosecurity Centre Programme.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be experienced in developing and delivering complex science projects at agency, national and international scale as well as leading a large science team. You  will come with a proven track record in grant writing, obtaining funding, and high impact science communications through publications and oral presentations evidenced through standard metrics. You will need to demonstrate planning, organisation, delegation and prioritisation skills. You will have had experience of leading a team of multi-skilled staff across disciplines and growth of staff CPD. Have the ability to develop and maintain high and consistent performance and delivery in teams and individuals and ensure you foster a climate of continuous improvement and learning for all.

You will have knowledge of Virology and/or Veterinary  and research applications/approaches. An understanding of biocontainment levels 2 and 3 working with a range of ACDP/SAPO pathogens, plus demonstrate a track record in safety management and performance. An ability to establish and work within an auditable framework of systems and procedures, including staff competence/training, research integrity, quality assurance/quality control standards and thirdparty accreditation.

You will have good written and oral communication skills and be comfortable with communicating across people and groups with a range of scientific knowledge. You will have the ability to maintain calm under pressure, with strong inner resilience. Provide leadership/role model for EDI, the health, safety and well-being of staff and the ability to work flexible for out of hours working. You will need a PhD in virology or closely related discipline and other relevant post-graduate or management qualifications.

What’s in it for me?

In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training.

Our benefits include generous annual leave, flexible working, a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers, in-year bonuses.

Closing date: 20 August 2026.

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