Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Assistant Scientific Officer (CR3118)


Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Salary:	£26,025 - £26,025
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	EX6 8PE
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	21 Aug 2026
Closing date:	15 Sept 2026

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Summary

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

Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?

If so, why not join us and make a difference.

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.

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 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.

Surveillance and Laboratory Services (SLSD) performs testing in a number of areas for both diagnostic and surveillance purposes. The department plays a key role in delivering notifiable disease outbreak testing.

You will carry out diagnostic laboratory testing duties in the APHA Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre. Work as part of a team handling the receipt, registering and testing of samples in an ACDP Containment Level 2/3 laboratory.

You will be required to;

Work to Agency Safety and Quality standards (ISO:17025 / 9001)
Follow approved Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments and Codes of Practice
Provide assistance with other duties in the Regional VIC when workload demands

We can also offer you a fully funded Biological Science Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 or a Level 3 Laboratory Technician if you wish at the next available intake. There are specific qualifications required to undertake this apprenticeship.

This role is based at APHA Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre, Staplake Mount, Starcross, Exeter.

This is an excellent opportunity to build technical expertise in bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing while working in a collaborative laboratory environment that supports scientific excellence, quality and continuous improvement.

To carry out any duties commensurate within the grade and purpose of the post including, but not limited to the following:

General duties:

Receiving samples into the laboratory and processing the tests
Preparing samples for dispatch to other laboratories
Dealing with queries received relating to laboratory submissions
Maintain equipment records and logs
Perform housekeeping duties to schedule
Dispose of samples and spent reagents appropriately
Keep line management informed of potential problems/anomalies

Diagnostic testing:

You will receive training and support across a range of specialist laboratory techniques, including:

Culture and examination of bacterial specimens
Preparation and inoculation of microbiological culture media
Reading, interpreting and recording culture results
Performing biochemical assays to support bacterial identification
Conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing using a range of methodologies, including: Supporting the development, optimisation and validation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and contributing to AMR surveillance, monitoring and research activities as required.

Health and Safety:

Contribute to a positive safety culture by following safety policies, standards and procedures
Understand and follow controls outlined in Risk Assessments
Participate in contingency exercises and other safety training
Participate in safety audits/inspections to support the local safety manager

Quality:

Ensure equipment maintenance duties are carried out and to schedule
Maintain accurate record keeping
Work to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Work to quality standards (ISO 17025 / 9001)
Participate in appropriate external proficiency testing schemes
Participate in audits to support the local quality manager

While the primary focus of this role is antimicrobial resistance testing and surveillance, responsibilities may evolve to meet changing business and scientific priorities. Training will be provided to support the development of additional laboratory skills and involvement in new testing activities as required.

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