Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Veterinary Vaccines Research

APHA scientific activity focuses on protecting UK against the threat of a wide variety of animal diseases. Research undertaken at APHA provides the scientific evidence that allows the Agency to provide expert advice and supports policy development for the Government.

As a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist in the Avian Virology Workgroup at APHA, you will play a leading role in a high-profile UKRI-funded Next Generation Veterinary Vaccines programme led by the University of Cambridge. The project will investigate next-generation veterinary vaccines against influenza viruses (avian and mammalian), coronaviruses (including IBV and PEDV) and emerging zoonotic Disease X threats (including henipaviruses). The overarching aim is to establish a flexible “plug-and-play” vaccine platform that can be rapidly adapted to emerging and evolving viral veterinary and zoonotic threats, accelerating vaccine development and deployment whilst improving our understanding of protective immunity, antigenicity, vaccine efficacy and viral evolution.

Your role will involve working across multidisciplinary research teams at APHA using a range of in vitro and in vivo approaches to investigate antigenicity, vaccine-induced immunity and mechanisms of protection. Research will focus on the design, evaluation and optimisation of novel vaccine platforms, including assessment of immunogenicity, efficacy, antigenic matching and cross-protection against current and emerging viral threats. You will also investigate serological responses induced by infection and vaccination and explore how viral evolution and antigenic change influence vaccine performance and disease control strategies. As a senior scientist, you will be responsible for coordinating and delivering project objectives, managing research activities and milestones, and ensuring the successful delivery of outputs across APHA and partner organisations, while maintaining an active role in laboratory-based research.

A strong personal drive and enthusiasm for investigating viral and host factors that influence vaccine efficacy, antigenicity and protective immunity using in vitro and in vivo approaches is central to this role. The successful candidate will have, or develop, the experimental and analytical skills required to investigate immune responses to infection and vaccination, assess vaccine performance, and understand the impact of viral evolution and antigenic variation on protection. Safe and responsible working practices with infectious pathogens are essential, reflecting the critical importance of competent containment laboratory working, including practical understanding of SAPO4/ACDP3 containment environments.

The role will involve line management and development of scientific staff, alongside collaborative working across the Virology Department and partner organisations. Clear scientific, managerial and project management skills are essential, together with a strong focus on delivering high-quality research outputs through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations and successful programme delivery.

APHA Virology is a multi-disciplinary department with internationally recognised expertise on a wide range of viruses. This is a particularly exciting time to join the Defra group. The programme of work on AI at APHA has a strong international dimension and focus, seeking to apply better solutions for threat mitigation and control, to protect UK and global food security.

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing scientific and personal development through appropriate training. You will also enjoy excellent Civil Service benefits including a Civil Service pension. This position is based at APHA Weybridge and the successful candidate will need to pass Counter Terrorist Checks. For further details, please check the job description on civil service jobs.

Closing date: 18 November 2026.

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