Senior Scientist – Veterinary Vaccines Research (CR3216)

Job summary

Do you wish to be part of an amazing, diverse team on the frontline in researching, investigating, and acting to protect the UK’s animal, plant and bee health? If so, why not join us and make a difference.

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.

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 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 a multi-disciplinary team with a statutory remit in named reportable, endemic, notifiable and exotic diseases for the delivery of research, diagnostic services and surveillance programmes. We currently have a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist position available in the Influenza and Avian Virology Workgroup. As a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist on avian influenza virus (AIV), you will be working on a high impact research project between APHA and the University of Cambridge investigating next-generation veterinary vaccines against influenza viruses (avian and mammalian), coronaviruses ((Infectious bronchitis Virus (IBV) and Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV)) and emerging zoonotic Disease X threats (including henipaviruses) and will lead and develop novel approaches to the control of veterinary viral diseases.

Job description

Main areas of work will include:

• Lead, coordinate and deliver experimental and translational research activities within a UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)-funded Next Generation Veterinary Vaccines programme undertaken in partnership between APHA, the University of Cambridge and external collaborators.
• Deliver research investigating next-generation veterinary vaccines against influenza viruses (avian and mammalian), coronaviruses (IBV and PEDV) and emerging zoonotic Disease X threats (including henipaviruses), with particular focus on antigen design, immunogenicity, efficacy, antigenicity, cross-protection and vaccine evaluation.
• Perform, collate, analyse and interpret complex scientific data, prepare research reports, presentations, publications and evidence-based conclusions to support Defra, UKRI and other externally funded research programmes.
• Work collaboratively across external stakeholders and within the Influenza and Avian Virology Workgroup at APHA, including with both the Avian and Mammalian Influenza Research Teams and the National and International Reference Laboratory teams, to ensure the effective delivery of research activities and project outcomes.
• Support innovation towards the development of novel diagnostic approaches through applied research.
• Deliver in vivo experimentation which will include obtaining a home office licence and ensuring studies are carried out according to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (ASPA).
• Maintain accurate and traceable laboratory records by adherence to appropriate quality standards (ISO9001)
• Maintain expertise and knowledge of veterinary viruses, including influenza virus research, publish work in peer-reviewed journals, represent APHA by presenting at national and international meetings.
• Maintain collaborations and research activities with scientists from other APHA internal departments and external partners.
• Work in high containment laboratories - Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP-3) / Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO-4) - in accordance with relevant health and safety procedures
• Manage junior staff as necessary

Person specification

Experience and skills:

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• Experience working and delivery within a research environment.
• Knowledge and experience of standard virological / transferable microbiological techniques, molecular based techniques such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), recombinant DNA techniques, cell culture techniques, and immunological techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Hemagglutinin inhibition, virus neutralisation
• Ability to develop and apply reverse genetics techniques to deliver antigens towards vaccine development.
• Evidence of successful research initiatives, reflected by a focus on publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Proven scientific written and oral communication skills, including clear, succinct, and accurate transcription of information.
• Excellent compilation/analysis of data sets, Microsoft Excel, basic statistics, production of figures using PRISM software.

Specific requirements of ability:

• You will require manual dexterity in order to use pipettes on a daily basis
• Ability to work at a laboratory bench or in a microbiological safety cabinet for up to 6 hours a day.

Qualifications

A Biological Science degree (in veterinary/medical biosciences or similar) and a postdoctoral degree or equivalent experience.

Security clearance

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders 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. Applicantsmust be currently resident in the UKhave at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.

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 in the Laboratory five days per week or less if part-time on a job share.

Ways of Working

Periodic travel within the UK and Europe may be required to attend training courses, conferences and scientific meetings.

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

Out of hours work may be required. 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 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 as it involves long periods of time on your feet working in the laboratory as well as moving around site from one laboratory to another. It also involves repetitive actions e.g. pipetting and lifting of waste containers that maybe heavy. A level of physical fitness is required to access biosecure areas due to the need to access the buildings and requirement to wear personal protective equipment which in some laboratories requires a full change of clothes.

Health Clearance

The post will also require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health and have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance, including brucella, hepatitis B, influenza A, rabies, 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.

Qualifications

A Biological Science degree (in veterinary/medical biosciences or similar) and a postdoctoral degree or equivalent experience as detailed in the Personal Specification.

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

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

• Experience of both genetic manipulation of constructs and an understanding of molecular and serological techniques such as in vitro minigenome assays, reverse genetics and virus neutralisation assays.
• Knowledge of relevant areas of avian virology and / or vaccinology.
• Understanding of in vivo models for avian Influenza.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £47,557, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £13,777 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).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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 also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site

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.

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

You will be required to complete the following as part of your application:

• 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 500- 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.

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 CV-style Application form. The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. 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 DefraRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.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

• Your previous experiences relevant to the role requirements outlined in the advert following the Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK
• Technical skills, as outlined below, following the Success Profiles: Technical - GOV.UK. These will be assessed through a structured set of questions. Technical questions will explore your technical knowledge in specific areas:
  • Experience of both genetic manipulation of constructs and an understanding of molecular and serological techniques such as in vitro minigenome assays, reverse genetics and virus neutralisation assays.
  • Knowledge of relevant areas of avian virology and / or vaccinology
  • Understanding of in vivo models for avian Influenza.
• Behaviours – Working Together and Making Effective Decisions, following the Behaviour criteria outlined in theSuccess Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UK framework for SSO positions. Please use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of the Behaviours in your interview.
• You will also be required to give a 5-minute presentation, without slides, followed by questions and answers. This will be assessed under the Experience criteria – Working and delivery in the research environment. Full details of the presentation will be given when you are invited for interview.

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 be conducted face to face/on-line. You will be notified of the location of the interview when you are notified of the interview/given a link to the on-line interview.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

The interview will follow a blended approach and will last approximately 45 minutes.

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

The Behaviour based questioning explores what the candidate can and has done, but also their potential.

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.

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

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Near Miss

Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.

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.

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 (excluding Northern Ireland) and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.

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.

This role is based at APHA Weybridge only due to the nature of the role and the duties required. This post requires you to be working on-site five days per week or less if part-time on a job share.

Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.

Salary

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

Specialist Pay

A specialist pay allowance will be given under the following conditions:

• You must be carrying out a DS science role (as defined in the GSE career framework and assured by the Deputy Director of Scientific Services) in the Science Directorate within APHA, either in a permanent or FTA SSO role.
• Scientists in these posts are eligible for level 0 allowances – on appointment or from the date of implementation of this allowance.

Overview of how the Specialist Pay lead will work:

The assessment framework has three levels of capability, all levels of capability attract an allowance. The capability assessment framework has been developed based on the GSE framework to build the technical skills and capabilities required by APHA at the DS SSO grade. The allowance levels are:

• Level 0 - Emerging (£2,500) - On appointment or basic knowledge and limited relevant experience. You understand how the skill can be applied. You can describe the benefits and importance. Individual is developing within the role, including skills and technical ability. The postholder will be assessed after 3 months in post, and thereafter yearly, to determine whether they can move up to a Level 1 (£3500) or Level 2 (£5000) allowance.

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.

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 Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

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.

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.

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.

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 as a Senior Scientist in the Virology department. This post will therefore begin from your start date and end on 29/09/2029.

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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

NSV

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

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

Higher Security Clearance

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 (opens in a new window).

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 staff based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK and have at least three years continuous UK residency in order to start the mandatory Counter Terrorist Check security checks that are required to work at APHA Weybridge. If you cannot meet this criterion, CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks required before taking up the post.

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

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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 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