Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor

Job summary

About the VMD

You may not have heard of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), but have you ever:

• eaten meat, eggs, fish or honey
• drunk milk
• owned a pet or animal
• taken antibiotics

If you said yes to any of the above, you are directly affected by what the VMD does.

The VMD is the regulatory and policy lead responsible for issues concerning the authorisation, use, and manufacture of veterinary medicines in the UK.

Our aim is to protect public health, animal health, and the environment, and promote animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and effectiveness of veterinary medicines.

Find out more at: About us - Veterinary Medicines Directorate - GOV.UK

About the Job

This exciting and high-impact job puts you at the heart of post-authorisation surveillance of veterinary medicines for the UK market and plays a major role in assuring the ongoing assessment of the benefit-risk balance for the use of these medicines.

As a senior member of the Pharmacovigilance (PhV) team within the Authorisations Division, you will help protect animal, environmental and public health through a globally recognised approach to pharmacovigilance.

The PhV Team’s vision is to safeguard health through:

• the detection and assessment of safety signals
• regular benefit–risk reviews of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs)
• inspection of Marketing Authorisation Holders (MAHs)
• evidence-based regulatory decision making
• effective communication with stakeholders

Following recent amendments to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (as amended) (VMR), pharmacovigilance obligations have significantly expanded, increasing data volumes and strengthening inspection, oversight and analytical requirements. The PhV Team is therefore restructuring to meet these enhanced regulatory and operational demands.

We are seeking a senior veterinary professional with strong experience in scientific assessment, regulatory enforcement, and scientific communication. You will contribute expert scientific risk-based evaluation and leadership to ensure that veterinary medicines remain safe and effective for use in the UK.

Job description

In this role, you will:

• contribute to applications assessments, including variations to Marketing Authorisations (MAs), by evaluating data and implementing regulatory actions, including risk mitigations to help ensure the quality, safety, efficacy, and availability of VMPs in the UK.
• line manage and support assessors, inspectors and support staff, helping to lead a fast-paced, demand-led area of surveillance.
• oversee the production of internal and external reports and management information, supporting evidence-based decision-making and regulatory compliance.
• stay informed on developments in pharmacovigilance and veterinary medicines regulation and proactively contribute to the development and review of scientific and regulatory guidelines that support product quality, safety, efficacy, and industry innovation.
• operate within a complex scientific and legislative environment, applying veterinary and scientific expertise while embracing innovation and supporting the UK’s international reputation as a leading regulator of veterinary medicines.

Your main responsibilities and duties will be to:

• Evaluate post authorisation safety and efficacy data and assess the post authorisation benefit–risk balance of pharmaceuticals and biological/immunological VMPs, including vaccines and novel therapies, applying expert scientific judgement and clinical experience to interpret complex evidence and contribute to signal detection and support regulatory decision making.
• You will also be responsible, as a Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor, for assuring the quality of some of the assessments of more junior assessors in the team, peer reviewing work prepared by other Pharmacovigilance assessors
• Lead and manage an area within Pharmacovigilance, ensuring effective planning, prioritisation and quality assured delivery of workstreams aligned with regulatory deadlines and organisational priorities, including holding responsibilities for relevant parts of the team Quality Management System (QMS) and documentation
• Coordinate and develop pharmacovigilance reporting and KPI monitoring, providing robust management information for internal governance and external publication, offering assurance on surveillance activities.
• Assess and manage PhV input into applications related to Marketing Authorisations to contribute to the benefit-risk assessment of the product and advise applicants on technical aspects of potential and ongoing applications
• Efficient written and oral communications with MAH representatives, industry representative bodies and other stakeholders.
• Manage and develop other assessors in the team and build capability through provision of relevant training and mentoring.
• Conduct horizon scanning and contribute to PhV research and development, identifying emerging technologies, substances and diseases, progressing research proposals and approved projects, and contributing to the VMD’s innovation agenda.
• Represent the VMD in national and international working groups, contributing veterinary and pharmacovigilance expertise to collaborative regulatory initiatives.
• Maintain deep and up to date knowledge of relevant national and international legislation, guidelines and scientific developments, contributing to the VMD’s regulatory science strategy and work on VMP availability.
• Act corporately, complying with ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 27001 (information security), GDPR and records management requirements, and upholding Civil Service values.
• You must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook. You must use the internet effectively and have the aptitude to learn how to use the VMD's bespoke lT systems.

Person specification

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• A substantial body of relevant experience, with a minimum of 4 years in a clinical, regulatory or pharmaceutical setting, ideally within pharmacovigilance or a related scientific regulatory field.
• Understanding of regulatory systems for the authorisation and use of medicinal products, including GB VMRs and EU Regulation 2019/6 (as applicable in NI).
• Proven ability to evaluate complex scientific, clinical or technical data and develop clear, risk-based recommendations that protect animal, public and environmental health.
• Experience managing operational delivery in a high throughput environment with competing deadlines and quality assured outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, support staff development and effectively manage key business processes under pressure.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of clearly presenting complex scientific and regulatory issues in challenging and high stakes settings, and producing clear written outputs (e.g., publications, reports, Ministerial submissions, FOI responses, press queries).
• Strong analytical, numeracy and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret incomplete or complex evidence and draw sound conclusions.
• Calm and effective under pressure, with a proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other regulators.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team.
• Awareness of organisational context and governance, with the ability to prioritise and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Capability of working in a multicultural environment with colleagues from different departments and organisations.
• Self-motivated with a focus on quality delivery.
• You must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook. You must use the internet effectively and have the aptitude to learn how to use the VMD's bespoke lT systems.

Qualifications

A degree in Veterinary Medicine with practical clinical experience of the use of veterinary medicinal products.
MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London. UK), or eligible to become MRCVS prior to taking employment.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £62,000, Veterinary Medicines Directorate contributes £17,961 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Free onsite parking
• Free eyesight test
• Onsite gym
• Access to a prayer room

Awork-life balance is key for us all. We offer flexible working as well as health, well-being and discount schemes. The annual leave package starts at 25 days per year and increases to 30 days over five years. We offer generous maternity, paternity, shared, and adoption leave.

This gives you a flavour of what’s available, but there is so much more we could mention – see Civil Service Employee Benefits , Civil Service Careers for further information.

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, Strengths and Experience.

The civil service recruits using the Success Profiles approach.

Further information about success profiles with guidance on how to complete your application form is available here - About the application process , Civil Service Careers

Application Process

As part of the application process, you will be assessed on your experience and will be asked to complete:

• A CV. This should include your job history, qualifications, skills and experience.
• A 750-word personal statement: "Referring to the 'responsibilities and 'skills and experience' sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples."

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK

You will also be asked to give examples of behaviours, which is one element of success profiles - Behaviours , Civil Service Careers

When giving examples of behaviours, please use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format – see A brief guide to competencies - GOV.UK

Sift

Scoring for all criteria for the application is from 1 to 7 – A score of 4 and above will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications, if so an initial sift will be conducted using the Personal Statement and CV. The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Any candidates applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme who scores 4 or above on all of the criteria will be offered an interview.

Interview

If successful at the application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on experience, behaviours and strengths.

For experience, we will ask you to tell us – in your own words – about your relevant experience against the requirements set out in the job advert. You are asked to keep this to 10 minutes.

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

When giving examples of behaviours, please use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format – see A brief guide to competencies - GOV.UK

A range of Strengths relevant to this role may be tested at interview. More information on Strengths : Success Profiles: Strengths - GOV.UK

Sift and Interview dates

The sift will be conducted week commencing 13 April 2026.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place in person at the VMD the week commencing 27 April 2026.

Please note, this timeline is indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

You cannot claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process.

Contract

This role isn’t suited to a home-working contract.

Salary

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

If you are new to the civil service, or coming back into the civil service, you will start on the advertised starting salary. You must be in post by 1st April to qualify for that year’s pay rise.

The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Working Pattern

This is a full-time post. It may be possible for individuals to fill these roles on an 80% FTE basis, but no less due to the tight time constraints of the work commitments.

Location and travel

This role will be contractually based at the VMD in Weybridge, KT15 3LS. This is a fixed location; the VMD does not use hubs located elsewhere in the UK.

You will be expected to spend at least 60% of your working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Organisation workplace includes the VMD office as well as time spent at other locations for meetings, conferences, and field-based activities. 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.

The successful candidate will be required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location unless they have permission to do so.

Residency Requirements and security vetting

All posts require the successful candidate to hold Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Job offers are based on merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer. Candidates will need to meet the residency requirements of residing in the UK for 3 years prior to the CTC application being submitted.

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.

Visa Sponsorship Statement

Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Childcare Vouchers

Any move to VMD 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.

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

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.

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.

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 ch

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.

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 :

• Name : People Services Team
• Email : people@vmd.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.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here