Bacterial Characterisation Workgroup Leader (ID 4788)


Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Salary:	£62,000 - £62,000
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	KT15 3NB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	10 Aug 2026
Closing date:	31 Aug 2026

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Summary

Do you want a role safeguarding standards of animal and plant health and welfare?

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

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 3,000 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. The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our people are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.

We are recruiting to a senior management position, a Leader for the Bacterial Characterisation Workgroup (c. 32 staff), which is one of five Workgroups within the Department of Bacteriology. The Workgroup delivers the research element of the BFDS portfolio providing evidence in support of policy, as well as supporting diagnostics and surveillance, with oversight of national and international reference laboratories. You will lead the team in resourcing and delivery, provide leadership in people management, and ensure the delivery of science across the Workgroup in an appropriate environment according to relevant Health & Safety and Quality standards.

Lead Bacterial Characterisation Workgroup (BAC3), working closely with team leads across the workgroup contributing to the development of the workgroup, as well as working with Leads in other Workgroups to build and maintain capacity.
Work with the Bacterial Diseases & Food Safety (BDFS) Lead Scientist, the AMR, Salmonella and STEC Programme/Veterinary Leads and respective teams across APHA, for development and maintenance of the BDFS programme at the APHA.
Liaise with VMD, on AMR Surveillance and Research, and Defra for Endemic Diseases Surveillance and Research, strengthening relationships and portfolios of work for research, surveillance and outbreak investigations.
Lead liaison/closer working relationship with key partner institutes such as UKHSA in areas of AMR and Foodborne zoonoses. Ensure appropriate support is provided across BAC3/BAC2 so a rapid response can be mounted during outbreak.
Set up strategic collaborations externally with Universities, Science Institutes, Companies/Industry to develop new funding streams and networks.
Provide scientific oversight of the Molecular and Genomics component for the AMR, STEC, Salmonella, Core Bioinformatics and other teams within the workgroup and Department, providing support and helping development of the team leads and staff.
Ensure projects are delivered in a timely manner, meeting all milestones and within budget. Consult with Lead Scientist and Head of Department, at earliest opportunity when any concerns arise in delivery of Objectives, drawing down budget or staff related issues.
Support the development of a core bioinformatics team, including data management/storage issues, to assist departmental strategy in this area.
Embed BAC3 structure and work with Team Leads to help build a stronger science base across the workgroup.
Have experience of applying for funding, delivering accurate financial plans and scientific review of projects, including presenting to customers, external partners and at national/international conferences.
Liaise with LS and HoD for BDFS activities, including for research and management, spending review uplifts, and any other matters arising.
Have knowledge of relevant, current health and safety practices. Support BAC3 H&S lead to implement APHA H&S standards across the group.
Have knowledge of Quality procedures and ensure that all teams within BAC3 are complying to correct procedures with all work being auditable and traceable, and carried out to the highest quality standards.
Be involved in the site redevelopment, leading BAC3 through the current transition period and engagement with plans for development of the National Biosecurity Centre.

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