At a Glance
- Tasks: Support diverse projects in bacteriology, from field investigations to bacterial identification.
- Company: Join the Animal and Plant Health Agency, a leader in safeguarding health and the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, extensive training, and a fully funded Biological Science Degree Apprenticeship.
- Other info: Permanent position with excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public and animal health while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for life sciences and a willingness to learn in a lab environment.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
Trainee Bacteriologist
Employer
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Location
Weybridge, Surrey
Salary
£29,770
Closing date
15 Oct 2025
Discipline
Life Sciences, Earth, Environment & Energy, Operations, Health and Safety, Animal Health
Position Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Job Details
Grade: Administrative Officer
Location: New Haw, South East England, KT15 3NB
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.
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.
You will be providing scientific support for a wide range of projects within the Department of Bacteriology, APHA Weybridge. This might include work for Defra, government organizations such as the Food Standards Agency, veterinary customers, and academia or for those in bioveterinary pharmaceuticals. Individual posts may be focused on specific types of activity, such as field investigations, culture of bacteria from samples, bacterial identification, typing, characterization, aiding in production of diagnostic reagents or disinfection.
This is a laboratory based post based at Weybridge, Surrey.
This is a permanent post and we will provide you with an extensive training and development programme to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions. Part of this training and development programme will be to provide you with a fully funded Biological Science Degree Apprenticeship.
Closing date: 15 October 2025.
Trainee Bacteriologist in Weybridge employer: Animal & Plant Health Agency
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an exceptional employer located in Weybridge, Surrey, offering a dynamic work environment where diverse teams collaborate to safeguard animal, public, and plant health. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from a comprehensive training programme, including a fully funded Biological Science Degree Apprenticeship, ensuring your growth within the life sciences sector. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values innovation and provides meaningful contributions to the environment and economy.
Contact Details:
Animal & Plant Health Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bacteriologist in Weybridge
✨Get Hands-On in Labs
For a biology apprenticeship, make sure you dive into any labs or research initiatives at your school or local universities. Showcasing your practical skills can make a huge difference, especially if you can mention specific techniques or projects during your interviews.
✨Join Biology Clubs or Societies
Immerse yourself in biology by joining related clubs or societies, like the British Society for Cell Biology. Not only will you learn more and meet like-minded peers, but you also might find out about upcoming apprenticeship opportunities through events or networking in those circles.
✨Engage with Local Laboratories
Don't hesitate to reach out to local research labs or universities directly. Ask if they have apprenticeship programs or internship opportunities—sometimes, they might just have openings not widely advertised, and you could get a foot in the door much quicker.
✨Show off Your Passion
When applying for apprenticeships, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through in interviews. Share what excites you about the field, whether it's a specific topic like genetics or conservation. Companies like Animal & Plant Health Agency want to see candidates who genuinely care about what they’ll be working on!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bacteriologist in Weybridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through. Talk about any projects, experiments, or classes that really got you excited about the field. This will help us see your genuine interest and commitment to learning at Animal & Plant Health Agency.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Experience:Make sure to mention any relevant biology coursework or hands-on experience you've had. Whether it's through school projects, volunteering, or even personal research, showcasing this will give us a clear picture of your foundational knowledge and skills.
Structure Matters - Keep It Clear and Concise:When you’re crafting your CV for an apprenticeship, clarity is key! Use headings for sections like 'Education', 'Experience', and 'Skills' so we can easily see why you’re the perfect fit. Stick to a clean format that makes it easy for us to read.
Let Us Know Your Learning Goals:In your application, it’s super helpful if you can share what you hope to gain from the apprenticeship at Animal & Plant Health Agency. What specific skills or knowledge do you want to walk away with? This shows us that you're not just looking for any position, but you want to grow and contribute in our environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal & Plant Health Agency
✨Show Your Scientific Passion
Dive into your enthusiasm for biology! Whether it's a fascination for ecosystems or a love for lab work, share specific examples from your studies or experiences that highlight your interest. Employers like Animal & Plant Health Agency want to see that you're genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Demonstrate Practical Skills
In a biology apprenticeship, hands-on experience matters a lot. Be ready to talk about any lab techniques or fieldwork you’ve engaged in, like PCR, microscopy, or ecological surveys. Having a solid grasp of these can really set you apart when talking to the team at Animal & Plant Health Agency.
✨Research Current Biological Issues
Keep abreast of current trends in biology, like conservation efforts or biotechnology breakthroughs. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently can demonstrate your engagement with the field. It shows you’re not just book-smart, but also aware of how biology is evolving in the real world.
✨Ask About Training Opportunities
As an apprentice, showcase your eagerness to learn! Prepare thoughtful questions about the training and mentorship programs offered at Animal & Plant Health Agency. This shows you’re proactive about developing your skills, which is crucial for someone just starting out in their biological career.
