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Veterinary Services
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About the job
Job summary
We offer the opportunity for an enthusiastic veterinary surgeon to apply their clinical knowledge to lead on research into the welfare of farm animals, poultry and small animal species used to study animal and zoonotic diseases.
You will be involved in the development of Animal Science capability and expertise, such as development and application of new welfare assessment technologies and advances, and engagement in policy-relevant research across various infectious disease portfolios. As Named Veterinary Surgeon you will directly contribute to the welfare of animals used in research.
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 2,000 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.
Job description
Animal science project delivery and capability leadership: to further welfare of a wide range of animals used in research, design and lead relevant projects across a range of disease or commercial portfolios. Development of animal science capability and expertise, including development and application of new technologies and advances relevant to Animal Sciences at APHA, and engagement in policy relevant research across disease portfolios. Opportunity for a post-graduate degree/PhD. Job holder must have a keen interest in research and proactively seek opportunities to develop modern welfare assessment tools. They will proactively contribute to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction & refinement), particularly the refinement of experimental or veterinary procedures.
Act as Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) with its associated duties and responsibilties outlined in the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. This includes leadership of compliance and implementation of APHAs Animal Welfare Standards with the animal technician team. The postholder will work in a team of experienced NVSs and with a range of other Named persons (full training will be funded and provided)
Opportunity to become the Named Information Officer as defined by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, thus being at the forefront of implementing the 3Rs.
Staff and facility management: line management or functional management of scientific staff working in animal facilities. Responsibility for delivery of high disease containment animal studies (up to ACDP3, SAPO4), with responsibility for animal disease biosecurity and HO compliance, staff training and performance management.
Specialism: The jobholder will be expected to develop as a veterinary specialist with regards to the species and the infectious organisms used in their area of responsibility and an awareness of the policy relevance of the work undertaken. They will lead on the development of the science capability within the department and support the Animal Science discipline champion. They will be encouraged to obtain a personal Home Office licence in order to carry out regulated procedures.
BioEthics, Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB): The jobholder will be an active member of the AWERB and its species care and use subcommittee, participating in meetings as well as have input into project licence applications, study and protocol reviews.
Communication: The jobholder will be required to have excellent interpersonal skills liaising with a very diverse range of people with differing skills and expertise. They should be able to confidently deliver training and presentations, and chair meetings as required as well as write/contribute to scientific reports and publications.
Budget and Financial planning: Sound resource management is important – they will be involved in planning of multidisciplinary work, liaising with departmental administration team to ensure good budgetary management, effective use of resource and workforce planning. They may have contract management duties.
Safety Ensure that adequate training and planning for response to emergency scenarios is in place; actively lead and participate in safety inspections and audits. Work closely with safety representatives in respect of these duties.
Quality: The jobholder will be required to keep up to date on all legislation that could impact on quality issues within the department and will contribute to the preparation and planning of inspections and audits within the department, and be involved as required in pre-start meetings, facilitation on the day, wash-up meetings and management resolution of arising actions.
The role may include other Named Persons roles as applicable to fulfill business need.
Person specification
Experience
- Keen interest in animal welfare research and/or publications in relevant subjects
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills written and oral, team working
Licences
Qualifications
Memberships
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Developing Self and Others
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Statement of relevant technical skills for this post; e.g. veterinary expertise, previous experience with experimental models or pathogens at different containment level
Benefits
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 well-being 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.
We have a Staff Recognition Scheme with our in-year awards rewarding exemplary work. This post offers the successful candidate the opportunity to receive an additional pay supplement of up to £3,000 upon appointment. There is a further pay supplement of up to an additional £3,000 which may be offered based on candidates experience and annual competency assessment. These allowances do not form part of the Terms of Employment.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, 500 word personal statement and two behaviour statements.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
You must provide a comprehensive CV in the provided template and give a 500 word Personal Statement describing your skills and experience and reflecting your aspiration.
As part of the assessment process, you will be asked to give examples of Behaviours, Technical and Experience using Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR).
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Communicating & Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours, Technical Skill and Experience.
Please refer to the Job Specification for further details.
If successful for an interview you will be asked to give a presentation and details of this will be given at the time.
An additional exercise may also be assessed.
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, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
The role is based at Weybridge where the team is located and due to the nature of the role and duties required. Flexibility in working hours is required if called upon to finish a particular urgent task or call upon in an event of an outbreak. The post holder will be required to be onsite at Weybridge 5 days per week.
The 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 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 residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have between 3 to 10 years continuous UK residency depending on the level of Security.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
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.
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 youre 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 offenses. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants 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.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
We may consider two part-time staff on a job-share basis if continuity can be arranged. Part-time hours will only be considered as part of a job share.
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
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. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Other information
The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols, which will require necessary vaccinations and health surveillance and will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. Protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) must be worn as required.
Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, will apply. The successful candidate should not keep pigs or poultry or live on premises where there are domestic livestock or poultry.
Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able. The work of the post can be physically demanding.
A valid full driving licence is necessary. Periodic travel within the UK may be required as part of ongoing research.
As NVS, out of hours working (very low call out rate) will be required on a rota basis (1 in 4 or 5), which will be remunerated accordingly. Out of hours work may also be required in the event of an incident.
APHA offers a comprehensive training framework (incl Masters, PhD) with a wide range of development opportunities and a generous CPD package. You will have access to an Employee Assistance Programme and other benefits.
Working hours 37 per week. 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30, plus Bank Holidays and Privilege days. Civil Service Pension.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Medical
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Jade Gandhi
- Email : jade.gandhi@apha.gov.uk
- Telephone : 02080260931
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
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: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission
