Higher Scientific Officer in the Supply Team (x2 posts)

Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines in the UK.

We two vacancies for Higher Scientific Officers in the Supply Team

This exciting and interesting job puts you at the heart of the VMD’s work in facilitating the availability of medicines to veterinary surgeons and in part delivery of the VMD's transparency agenda. You will be part of a team with diverse activities in a target driven environment where quality of service is essential. You will liaise with other scientific disciplines in the VMD and a range of stakeholders, including, but not exclusively, the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, Wholesale Dealers, and veterinary professionals.

The Supply Team is part of the wider Regulatory Affairs Team and you will also liaise closely with our Application Management Team to ensure targets as specified in our Published Standards continue to be met.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a scientific degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Biology, Pharmaceutical Science) or equivalent scientific experience.

Person specification

The post-holder will be part of the VMD’s Supply Team within the VMD’s Regulatory Affairs Section in the Authorisation Division. The Authorisations Division is responsible for authorising veterinary medicines, including the assessment of data on the quality, safety and efficacy of such medicines.

This role requires an individual with the ability to problem solve, to prioritise and organise themselves and to support their team. It is an ever changing environment and it is essential that the job holder can think on their feet and rise to challenges quickly and effectively.

We’re looking for someone that can:

• Summarise complex scientific issues for a lay readership
• Pay attention to detail
• Produce material that is scientifically accurate

The closing date for applications is 9 March 2026.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer.

No Recruitment Agency, Newspaper or Publication calls please.