Medical Entomologist


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£33,422 to £40,731 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Salisbury, SP4 0JG
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	14 Oct 2026
Closing date:	28 Oct 2026

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Summary

Develop effective working relationships with UKHSA colleagues, academic partners, local authorities and other organisations involved in vector surveillance/research/public health protection. Support the representation of the MEZE group at meetings/workshops/professional events as appropriate. Contribute to training and knowledge-sharing activities by supporting colleagues/collaborators in field/lab and surveillance techniques. Maintain professional competency through participation in training, appraisal and continuing professional development activities, and ensure compliance with all mandatory organisational requirements. The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation. Essential Criteria Degree in Medical Entomology, Entomology, Zoology, Ecology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in medical entomology, including arthropod identification, field and laboratory techniques, scientific literature review, public health communication, risk assessment, and data analysis. Knowledge of medical entomology and vector-borne diseases and experience of conducting robust and/or systematic literature reviews, including use of relevant databases and references management software. Knowledge and practical experience of using ecological field-based techniques for research and/or surveillance. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce scientific reports and presentations. Ability to work as part of a team, and independently, to deliver shared goals. Using organisational, time management and prioritisation skills to deliver agreed project goals/milestones within agreed timescales. Experience in working within an environment where sudden unexpected demands require flexibility and re-prioritisation of work. Willing to travel overseas to deliver project goals and carry out scientific research and/or training. Desirable Criteria Experience of relevant laboratory-based working practices for the identification of vectors (morphologically or molecularly) and/or pathogens e.g. PCR, sequencing. Experience of analysing ecological datasets and use of statistical software packages. Experience of manipulating/presenting data using ArcGIS. Selection Process Details This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledge, experience, skills and abilities outlined in the Essential Criteria. Application & Sift (Competency-based) At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.You will be required to complete: an Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application) a 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over and above this number This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your application form and supporting statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload or email us your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Longlisting In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all Essential Criteria Meets some Essential Criteria Meets no Essential Criteria Only 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting. Shortlisting In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following 2 Essential Criteria: Knowledge of medical entomology and vector-borne diseases Knowledge and experience of conducting robust and/or systematic literature reviews, including use of relevant databases and references management software Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Interview You will be invited to a single face-to-face interview at our lab in Porton Down. Interview(s) to be confirmed. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria: Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants. Salary Information Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)National HEO: £33,422 - £40,731 per annum, pro-rataIf you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our laboratory in Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at our lab. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC). For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Security CTC clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Resourcing Support listed in the advert for further advice.

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