"Research and Test Development Manager"

Animal and Plant Health Agency - Mycoplasma National Reference Laboratory

Location:	Addlestone, New Haw
Salary:	£38,795 pro rata if applicable
Hours:	Full Time, Part Time
Contract Type:	Permanent

Placed On:	21st January 2026
Closes:	9th February 2026
Job Ref:	444391

Working under the umbrella of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is the government agency responsible for keeping the nation safe from animal disease, identifying infections that may impact people, the environment, and the economy. We also respond to disease outbreaks, conduct scientific research, and support the international trade of animal products and plants – meaning our work is high profile.

The Mycoplasma Team, within the Department of Bacteriology at APHA Weybridge is seeking an experienced scientist with diagnostic and/or research expertise to provide management and delivery of supporting research and development for exotic mycoplasma diagnosis and surveillance at APHA as part of its National and WOAH Reference Laboratory functions. The post holder will be expected to support the Team Leader in managing and coordinating research, test development and validation activities within the Mycoplasma team, delivering workstreams aimed at detection and control of economically important diseases of livestock.

Applicants should have a strong science background, with a broad knowledge in bacteriology, be able to work independently, problem solve, generate own ideas and skills, and publish own work. Applicants should either have a PhD, or a degree with extensive experience in a discipline relevant to the post.

A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.

Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer flexible working.

Other Information

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all post holders based at the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the CTC residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have at least 3 years continuous UK residency.

Closing date: 9 February 2026.