Veterinary Lead for Avian Endemics (Virology) – National Reference Laboratory (NRL)

British Veterinary Association; Weybridge; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary organization in Weybridge is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to lead in avian virological diseases. The successful candidate will provide expertise and consultancy on avian viruses, supporting both national and international stakeholders. This role requires excellent leadership and a proven track record in research within a complex and changing environment. Generous benefits include a salary of £59,900 and a contributory pension.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

Contributory pension

Staff bonuses and recognition

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• Excellent leadership skills are essential.
• Proven track record in research delivery is required.
• Demonstrable ability to lead a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultancy on avian viruses to national and international stakeholders.
• Lead the National Reference Laboratory for Endemic Avian Viral diseases.
• Support the characterization of new avian viral diseases.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical thinking

Creative problem-solving

Research delivery

Job description

At the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), we safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.

As a Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS) working in the Influenza and Avian Virology workgroup within the Virology department at APHA Weybridge, you will provide leadership, expertise and development within the area of avian virological diseases. You will lead the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Endemic Avian Viral diseases and provide subject matter expertise and significant stakeholder engagement for avian diseases of concern to industry or the competent authority. You will provide consultancy both inside the agency in addition to national and international stakeholders on avian viruses, particularly but not exclusively those of UK importance such as IBV, ILT, DVE, and DVH. The post will involve working closely not only with colleagues in avian virology but also with the Surveillance Intelligence Unit’s Avian Expert Group, including providing support for the characterisation of new and re-emerging avian viral diseases and escalation of threats to the Veterianary Risk Group. You will also lead the NAD wild bird surveillance with support from across the workgroup and provide strategic veterinary support and consultancy in times of outbreak of notifiable avian diseases to the leadership team within the workgroup.

We are looking for someone with excellent leadership skills; a strategic thinker, with analytical and creative problem-solving abilities and a proven track record in research delivery. You will have a demonstrable ability to provide visionary veterinary professional leadership to, and functional management of a multidisciplinary team in a complex, uncertain and changing environment. A good knowledge of surveillance and threat detection, and an understanding of how data are gathered to provide surveillance intelligence, including sources of threat data and information is of value.

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. Our benefits include generous annual leave of 25 days (rising one day per year up to 30 days after 5 years), flexible working, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.

The APHA is an Executive Agency of DEFRA, and our responsibilities are diverse and far-reaching. These include the identification and control of endemic and exotic diseases and pests in animals, plants and bees; the facilitation of international trade in animals, products of animal origin and plants; and the protection of endangered wildlife through licensing and registration.

• Salary: £59,900. Pro-rata salary for job share. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Job grade: Grade 7
• Closing date: 4 September 2025.