Senior Scientist, Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Research FTA (SD22/139) United Kingdom
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Location
About the job
Job summary
This role will plan, manage and execute research on Hepatitis E virus (HEV), in particular the research project: "HEV in Pigs: Understanding Infection Dynamics and Deciphering Prevention Strategies". The role will generate expertise and provide consultancy both inside the agency as well as to national and international stakeholders. In addition, as a senior scientific officer the post-holder will be expected to contribute to the overall scientific strategy of the Mammalian Virology workgroup.
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 2,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice, and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.
Job description
Key areas of work will include:
- Act as the lead for HEV research and specifically the project: "HEV in Pigs: Understanding Infection Dynamics and Deciphering Prevention Strategies"
- Manage research project(s) and design approaches for scientific investigations, ensuring completion of project objectives and milestones to the customers satisfaction; delivery of science in accord with relevant Quality Assurance standard ISO9001 and within budget
- Manage the in vivo experimentation associated with the research project, including e.g., HO licence application amendments
- Interaction/relationship building with project collaborators (internal and external)/sub-contractors/farms/others as applicable for the delivery of research objectives
- Provide consultancy to stakeholders such as Defra as required
- Support the Workgroup’s senior scientist team, through deputising and delegated tasks, contribute to strategic planning
- Communication of science through participation in internal and external meetings, but also to ensure a high-quality programme of scientific approaches published in Q1 peer reviewed literature with high impact
- Develop and seek opportunities for the initiation of (collaborative) research proposals, both nationally and internationally specifically through accessing opportunities outwith UKgov funding
- Draft applications for funding bodies and to obtain permissions for work (e.g., HSE) as required
- Supervise and provide training for members of staff, students, and visitors in the workgroup as required
- Ensure appropriate CPD for self and team in accordance with AZVDP and APHA strategies
- Ensure that self and team maintain safe operation of the laboratory, including CL3, ensuring staff are aware of and adhere to appropriate safety procedures and emphasise a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety
- Participation in the disease emergency response in the event of a disease outbreak and participate in on-call rotas or out of hours work if/as required.
Person specification
The successful candidate should have
- Veterinary qualification (MRCVS registration), with experience in Virology or PhD/postdoctoral experience in Virology or equivalent experience
- Knowledge of and practical experience with Veterinary Virology, including with in vivo experimentation
- Understanding and/or experience of field studies
- Track record of working on/managing multi-disciplinary projects with multiple partners
- Track record on manuscripts, presentations, applications and reports
- Knowledge/experience with bio-safety/containment
- Knowledge/experience with quality management systems such as ISO9001.
The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.
Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, will apply. The successful candidate should not keep pigs or poultry or live on premises where there are domestic livestock or poultry.
Periodic travel within the UK and EU will be required and this could include farm or abattoir visits as part of ongoing research. The successful candidate may have to ensure that no contact is made with farmed animals for a period of 1-2 days or more before visiting livestock farms. This may preclude anyone who lives on a livestock farm.
Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.
Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able.
Out of hours work may be required in the event of an incident.
Travel may be required to attend training courses and undertake farm visits. You must have a valid driving licence, or be able to call upon suitable alternate means of transport.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a CV and 500-word Personal Statement on how you match the skills and experience detailed.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview
If successful at application stage you will be invited to an interview, a non-anonymized CV will be requested, along with a list of scientific publications. At interview, Behaviours, and Experience will be assessed. Please use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format for your Behaviours.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based in a Defra/Apha group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged. Part-time hours will only be considered as part of a job share.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Loan and Fixed Term Appointments
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
This is a Fixed Term Appointment until September 2026 as a SSO Senior Scientist in the Mammalian Virology workgroup. This is not a permanent post. It is time limited due to a fixed funding period or as part of a specific project. The fixed term will end when the funding or the project expires. Your responsibilities in this post will be planning, managing and executing research on Hepatitis E virus (HEV), in particular the research project: "HEV in Pigs: Understanding Infection Dynamics and Deciphering Prevention Strategies." This post will therefore begin from your agreed start date and end in September 2026.
Higher Security
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to Weybridge may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments 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 residency criteria. UK residency is required from 3 to 10 years depending on the level of Security. However, residency qualification may be reduced for certain roles and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Medical
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team :
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission
