Assistant Bacteriology Scientist

Animal and Plant Health Agency; Weybridge; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency for animal and plant health is hiring junior scientists in Weybridge. This role involves laboratory work such as testing samples and producing reagents, as well as field visits to support the UK livestock industry. Ideal candidates possess basic microbiology knowledge and must meet residency criteria for security clearance. The position offers competitive benefits including flexible working and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Contributory pension

Staff bonuses

Flexible working

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and self-motivated applicants needed.
• Experience in basic laboratory techniques required.
• Interest in the food animal production sector is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory work including testing samples for diagnostics.
• Work with disinfectants and produce testing reagents.
• Visit farms and other locations for sampling.

Skills

Basic microbiology knowledge

Experience in laboratory techniques

Scientific data collection

Time organization

Job description

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of Defra, the Scottish and Welsh Governments. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of our environment, and the economy.

We have opportunities for junior scientists to join multidisciplinary teams in the Department of Bacteriology and play a key role in delivering the varied work of this busy department. All positions involve laboratory work, which may include testing samples for diagnostic monitoring or research purposes, testing disinfectants, or producing, testing and standardisation of reagents. Some posts require availability to sample farms, hatcheries, abattoirs and feedmills. This physically demanding work is rewarded by the opportunity to visit rural areas of the country and to learn more on the UK livestock industry by direct experience. Other posts require work under SAPO containment laboratory conditions.

We are looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated applicants, with basic microbiology and/or immunology knowledge who have experience in performing basic laboratory techniques including scientific data collection. They should have the ability to organise their own work and time and have an interest in the food animal production sector.

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, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer flexible working.

Other Information

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 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 CTC residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have a minimum of 3 years continuous UK residency.

Closing date: 26 November 2025.

£29,770 pro rata if applicable