Microbiology Scientist

Animal & Plant Health Agency; Addlestone; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A government health agency in Weybridge seeks a Microbiology Scientist. The role involves supporting national laboratories, delivering diagnostic testing, and contributing to disease prevention efforts. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in bacteriology. This is a full-time, permanent position offering various benefits, including generous annual leave and a contributory pension.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Contributory pension

Staff bonuses and recognition

Salary sacrifice benefit options

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in bacteriology is required.
• Broad knowledge of bacteriology.

Responsibilities

• Support National Reference Laboratories for exotic bacterial pathogens.
• Deliver diagnostic testing for control programs and research.
• Contribute to ensuring GB remains free of exotic diseases.

Skills

Strong science background in bacteriology

Ability to work independently

Ability to work as part of a team

Job description

Overview

Job title: Microbiology Scientist

Employer: Animal and Plant Health Agency

Location: Weybridge, Surrey (New Haw, South East England location also noted in original posting).

Salary: £37,480 per year

Closing date: 2 October 2025

Discipline: Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Animal Health

Position Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Reference number: 427216

Grade: Higher Scientific Officer

Contract type: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Location: Weybridge site, Surrey, KT15 3NB

Responsibilities

• Support a number of National Reference Laboratories for exotic bacterial pathogens to ensure laboratory capability is in place, with tests validated and accredited.
• Deliver or oversee diagnostic testing in support of control programmes, national and international reference laboratory functions, and underpinning research.
• Contribute to activities that help ensure GB remains free of exotic diseases and able to respond to known or new emerging threats.
• Work within the Exotic Bacteria Workgroup within the Department of Bacteriology, contributing to a wide portfolio of science focusing on exotic bacterial pathogens.
• Engage with legislative, training, and international outreach requirements around these laboratories.

Qualifications

• Strong science background with relevant experience in bacteriology.
• Broad knowledge of bacteriology and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave
• Contributory pension
• Staff bonuses and recognition
• Salary sacrifice benefit options
• Employee discount scheme

Other Information

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset as a reference laboratory supporting the Government's response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. All post holders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK and have a minimum of 3 years continuous UK residency.

Closing date: 2 October 2025