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Assistant Scientific Officer (ID4881)

Assistant Scientific Officer (ID4881)

Animal and Plant Health Agency
locationStarcross, UK
remoteOn-Site
ExpiresExpires: Expiring in less than 3 weeks
Healthcare
Full time
£26,025 per year

Job summary

Do you want a role safeguarding standards of animal and plant health and welfare?

Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?

If so, why not join us and make a difference.

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

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 3,000 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.

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.

Surveillance and Laboratory Services (SLSD) performs testing in a number of areas for both diagnostic and surveillance purposes. The department plays a key role in delivering notifiable disease outbreak testing.

You will carry out diagnostic laboratory testing duties in the APHA Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre. Work as part of a team handling the receipt, registering and testing of samples in an ACDP Containment Level 2/3 laboratory.

You will be required to;

  • Work to Agency Safety and Quality standards (ISO:17025 / 9001)
  • Follow approved Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments and Codes of Practice
  • Provide assistance with other duties in the Regional VIC when workload demands

We can also offer you a fully funded Biological Science Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 or a Level 3 Laboratory Technician if you wish at the next available intake. There are specific qualifications required to undertake this apprenticeship.

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our diagnostic laboratory team. This is an exciting opportunity to develop expertise across a range of microbiological, serological and molecular diagnostic techniques while contributing to high-quality laboratory services.

Working within a supportive environment, you will play a key role in sample processing, diagnostic testing, quality assurance and maintaining safe laboratory operations.

What you'll be doing

Sample Processing & Laboratory Operations

  • Receive, register and process laboratory samples submitted for diagnostic testing.
  • Prepare and package samples for referral to external laboratories.
  • Respond to enquiries relating to laboratory submissions and testing services.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment records, logs and documentation.
  • Carry out housekeeping and laboratory maintenance activities in line with schedules.
  • Ensure the safe disposal of samples, biological material and laboratory reagents.
  • Escalate any issues, abnormalities or concerns to the appropriate manager.

Diagnostic Testing

Full training will be provided across a range of laboratory techniques, including:

  • Culture, examination and processing of diagnostic specimens.
  • Preparation and inoculation of microbiological culture plates.
  • Reading and interpretation of culture results.
  • Microbial identification using a variety of methods, including Gram staining, serotyping, fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and API (Analytical Profile Index) systems.
  • Antimicrobial sensitivity testing and other investigative diagnostic procedures.
  • Detection of antibodies using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and DPP (Dual Path Platform) testing methods.
  • Molecular diagnostic techniques, including DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) extraction, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Quality & Compliance

  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory quality systems.
  • Maintain accurate, timely and compliant laboratory records.
  • Support equipment maintenance and calibration activities.
  • Work in accordance with ISO 17025:2017 quality standards.
  • Participate in external proficiency testing schemes where required.
  • Support internal and external audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Health, Safety & Biosecurity

  • Promote and contribute to a positive safety culture.
  • Follow all laboratory health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
  • Participate in safety training, contingency exercises and emergency preparedness activities.
  • Support laboratory safety audits and inspections.

What we're looking for

  • Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
  • Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
  • Ability to follow procedures accurately and consistently.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • A willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and undertake further training.
  • Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

  • This role offers the opportunity to gain experience across multiple areas of diagnostic laboratory testing. As business needs evolve, you may receive training in additional techniques and undertake duties not specifically listed in this advert, providing ongoing opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Person specification

Experience and skills

You will need to demonstrate the following:

  • Implementation of and maintaining quality and safety
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Well organised with good attention to detail
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Basic laboratory skills
  • Prior experience, or a willingness to learn laboratory techniques (e.g. pipetting, culturing, autoclaving)

If you wish to undertake a Level 6 Biological Degree Apprenticeship you will require:

  • Science “A” levels or equivalent
  • GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) OR be willing to complete Functional Skills modules in working level Maths and English as part of the apprenticeship pathway.

For Level 3 you will not require A Levels in Science or equivalent but will require GCSEs Maths and English (or equivalent)

Government apprenticeship requirements state that the apprenticeship will provide “substantive new skills and learning” and that the apprenticeship programme it is “materially different to any other training undertaken or qualification held”. For this reason, applicants who already have a science degree cannot be accepted.

Workplace arrangements

The post holder must work from the location listed in the Location section of the advert. This post requires you to be working onsite at APHA Starcross five days per week or less if part-time.

Health Surveillance

The post will also require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health and have any necessary vaccinations, if required for the role, or health surveillance including Brucella, Q Fever, Skin Sensitisers and Tetanus. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.

Behaviours

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

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

  • Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

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

  • 'Tell us about your experience of working in a laboratory'

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £26,025, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £7,539 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Benefits
Further benefits offered also include:

  • A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
  • An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.
  • Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
  • Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
  • Three days special leave with pay, per year, for volunteering (pro-rata for part time employees).
  • Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.
  • We can also offer you a fully funded Apprenticeship at Level 6 (Biological Science Degree) or a Level 3 Laboratory Technician

These are just a few of our benefits we offer. To find out the full range of what we offer refer to the Information Pack attached for more detail.

Learning and Development

Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role. This can include a variety of courses, Apprenticeships, paid Masters and PhD and on-the-job training specific to your role.

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.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

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

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test and Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 15th September 2026. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 15th September 2026.

While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.

It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.

Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits; for further information visit the Reasonable adjustments for online tests - a candidate guide

You will be directed to the Talogy - True Talent – Scheduled Maintenance Window Webpage for online tests during an outage.

Our online test supplier will be performing scheduled maintenance between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on 23rd August 2026. 4 p.m. and Midday on 30th August 2026 and also Midday to 1 p.m. on 13th September. You will be unable to access tests during this period.

If you are in the middle of a test when the maintenance begins, your progress will be paused. You will be able to resume your test from where you left off via your application centre once the downtime has ended. Please note that you will not be able to launch any new tests while the system is offline.

Please ensure this is completed in plenty of time before moving to complete the application. You will then be sent an invitation to take the test and provide full instructions about how to complete it. The test can’t be taken on mobile phones or tablets. For more guidance about the online Civil Service tests, please see the GOV.UK website: Civil Service online tests - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:

  • A CV-style application submitted through an online tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobs website. There is no requirement to upload your personal CV.
  • A 750 word Personal Statement of how you match the details in the Personal Specification – the written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. We encourage you to use the full word allowance of the Personal Statement but not to exceed it
  • A 250-word Behaviour Statement for the following Behaviours (Making Effective Decisions), following the Behaviour criteria outlined in theSuccess Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UKframework for (AO) positions. Please use the STAR technique (Situation Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your application.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

CV Guidance

Your CV should consist of your career history, including any key achievements and your main responsibilities in each role and be no longer than 2 pages. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your Personal Statement and scored against the essential criteria.

Personal Statement Guidance

When completing your Personal Statement, please read and understand the Person Specification thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against. Please ensure you evidence the key personal qualities and experiences that align with the criteria. Consider the Job Description and look to demonstrate how your previous experience may align with the expectations and be applicable to the role. The written evidence you provide must relate to your own experiences. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc.

Scoring for all criteria of the application is from 1 to 7 – A score of 4 and above in each area will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications. In this instance, an initial sift will be conducted using the Personal Statement. The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Any candidates applying under the Disability Confident Scheme who scores 4 or above on all of the criteria will be offered an interview. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

For further guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV style application, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Careers website. How to write your CV , Civil Service Careers

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake, please contact us via Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk with the vacancy reference number, your applicant reference number, and the closing date.

Interview

If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on

Sift and Interview dates to be confirmed.

If you are selected for interview, you will receive an electronic notification to your Civil Service Jobs account.

Upon receiving the interview invitation, please log into the system to schedule your interview slot in advance.

Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.

The interview

The interview will follow a blended approach and will last approximately 60 minutes.

A blended interview aims to be more of a conversation at interview, offering a more inclusive approach.

Behavioural questions will explore what you have done in previous jobs or experiences as well as what you have achieved and/or learned.

Technical questions assess the specific professional skills, knowledge or qualifications required for the role.

After the interview

Once all the interviews have been conducted, candidates will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are successful at the interview stage, we will be in touch to offer you a role. Offers will be made in merit order.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Reserves

In the event of more than one candidate meeting the criteria we may maintain a reserve list should a similar role become available in the subsequent 12 months following interview.

Salary

New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

Ways of Working

This post requires you to be working in the Laboratory five days per week or less if part-time

Out of hours work may be required in the event of an incident or outbreak of disease. Staff may be required to work rostered weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings. When overtime or out-of-hours work is required, APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.

The post is full-time, we may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged

The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot work from an overseas location for any prolonged period of time.

Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.

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. Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, may apply.

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

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 involved in this post can be physically demanding, therefore a level of physical fitness is required. Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able.

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:
  • 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 maybe 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 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 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.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

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.

Working pattern

This role is available on a full-time basis. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis, where continuity can be arranged.
We welcome applications from individuals seeking alternative working patterns; however, preferred arrangements may not always be possible. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their preferences with the vacancy holder at interview or offer stage.

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.uk

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



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.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 the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
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.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

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 :

Recruitment team

Salary range

  • £26,025 per year