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 and scientists 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.

The postholders will be based in the Vector Borne Diseases workgroup within the Virology Department at the Agencies Weybridge site.

The first role will investigate mosquito-borne disease emergence in the UK as part of a UKRI/Defra funded project, Vector-Borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response) (BB/X017990/1). The postholder will take part in the collection and preparation of avian and mosquito samples from key UK bird landfall sites for molecular and serological analysis. This information will be used to determine potential emergence and transmission pathways for mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses in the UK.

The second role will develop bioinformatic approaches to the generation and analysis of sequence data derived from ticks as part of a UKRI/Defra funded project TickTools: Development of tools to monitor and control tick-borne diseases of humans and livestock (BB/X018008/1). The postholder will take part in the collection and preparation of tick samples from nucleic acid extraction through to subsequent analysis of large sequence datasets. This information will be used to determine host genetic variability, tick population linkage, microbial composition and evidence for phenotypic variation such as the development of acaricide resistance.

This is a Fixed-Term Appointment with no intention to become a permanent post.

 

Job description

The Vector-Borne RADAR post-holder will be responsible for data generation and analysis of molecular, serological, and sequencing data obtained from mosquitoes and birds, and the TickTools post-holder will be responsible for data generation and analysis of mass sequencing data generated from sampled ticks.

Main duties include but are not restricted to:

• Undertake field surveys to sample arthropod vectors and hosts within Great Britain.
• Process samples to generate high quality nucleic acid samples for qPCR, sanger, and next generation sequencing.
• Responsible for administration, curation and sharing of datasets within a given project, including liaison with academic partners.
• Develop and apply bioinformatic pipelines for comparative analysis of arthropod sequence data, phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis.
• Prepare project reports and scientific manuscripts documenting research findings.

Person specification

Required skills and experience:

• Experience of key molecular techniques including qPCR and tissue culture, statistical analysis and bioinformatic analysis programmes.
• Evidence for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of arthropod vectors and the diseases they transmit
• Good communication skills (written and oral) for conveying complex information to expert and lay audiences.

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.

The work of the post can be physically demanding. Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able.

Periodic travel within the UK and EU will be required and this could include field 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.

A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.

Out of hours work may be required in the event of an incident.

Qualifications

A post graduate qualification in biological sciences or equivalent experience.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Molecular techniques such as qPCR and tissue culture.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and ability to manage databases and statistical analysis packages such as R.

Benefits

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. 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 of 25 days (rising one day per year up to 30 days after 5 years), flexible working, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.

 

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process
Your application will consist of a CV, a Statement of Suitability of your experience (maximum of 500 words) which demonstrates your suitability for the role based on the Key Skills and Experience specified in the Job Description.

Sift
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. Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.

Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours, Technical criteria, and experience. A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.

Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra 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 are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

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 defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk 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
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 Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk 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 offenses. 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 31st March 2026 as a HSO Vector-Borne Disease Scientist in the Vector-borne diseases 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 will include data generation and analysis that will deliver the UKRI-Defra funded projects Vector-borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response) and TickTools (Development of tools to monitor and control tick-borne diseases of humans and livestock).

This post will therefore begin from your agreed start date and end on 31st March 2026.

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.

Higher Security Clearance
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 maybe reduced for certain roles and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter

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

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a 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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

 

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name :Gemma Aliaj
• Email :gemma.aliaj@apha.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email :defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact:

Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.ukIf 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

 

Attachments

Vector-Borne Disease Researcher FTA Opens in new window(doc, 166kB)

 

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