Higher Scientific Officer (x3 posts)

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 have a vacancy for three Higher Scientific Officers in the Biologicals Team.

These exciting and interesting roles put you at the heart of the important work of the VMD’s Biologicals Section and the authorisation in the UK of biological/immunological veterinary products, including vaccines and novel therapy veterinary medicinal products.

Your primary role will be to assess the quality and safety data submitted by pharmaceutical companies in support of their applications for variations of Marketing Authorisations for biological/immunological veterinary medicinal products. You will also support other scientists and veterinarians in the assessment of more complex applications.

You will work within a peer-reviewed environment and contribute to ensure that the applications are determined in accordance with the defined targets, contributing to the VMD meeting its published standards. Your work will also play a major role in helping to ensure the continuing quality, safety and efficacy of veterinary medicines.

The VMD is a leading regulator of veterinary medicines and has an active international profile. Your work will support the VMD’s aim to protect public health, animal health, and the environment and promote animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines.

Qualifications

You must have a degree in microbiology, immunology or other relevant biological or science-based discipline.

You must have experience of:

• applying analytical and problem–solving skills quickly to assimilate scientific and other information, identify issues, draw conclusions, and make recommendations when preparing scientific reports relating to the evaluation of the benefit/risk of applications
• communicating scientific issues, in writing and face-to-face, with clarity
• proven ability to meet deadlines

You must also have experience in or awareness of the following, or a demonstrable ability to get up to speed with them rapidly:

• a good understanding of current animal health and topical veterinary issues
• knowledge of the UK and European regulatory frameworks applicable to biological/immunological veterinary medicinal products
• practical experience and/or experience in the pharmaceutical industry or manufacturing of biological/immunological product

You must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. You must use the internet effectively and have the aptitude to learn how to use the VMD’s bespoke IT systems.

How to Apply

If you're interested in applying for this position, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application via the Civil Service Jobs website Higher Scientific Officer in the Biologicals Team - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK where you will find a full job description including salary details.

The closing date for applications is 10 November 2025.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer.