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- Tasks: Lead the fight against avian viral diseases and provide expert consultancy.
- Company: Join the Animal and Plant Health Agency, safeguarding health for people and the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal health while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and veterinary expertise in avian virology required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 62000 £ per year.
At the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), we safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.
Role and responsibilities
As a Veterinary Surgeon working in the Influenza and Avian Virology workgroup within the Virology department at APHA Weybridge, you will provide leadership, expertise and development within the area of avian virological diseases. You will lead the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Endemic Avian Viral diseases and provide subject matter expertise and significant stakeholder engagement for avian diseases of concern to industry or the competent authority. You will provide consultancy both inside the agency and to national and international stakeholders on avian viruses, particularly but not exclusively those of UK importance such as IBV, ILT, DVE, and DVH. The post will involve working closely with colleagues in avian virology and with the Surveillance Intelligence Unit’s Avian Expert Group, including providing support for the characterisation of new and re-emerging avian viral diseases and escalation of threats to the Veterinary Risk Group. You will also support the notifiable avian diseases (NAD) wild bird surveillance and provide strategic veterinary support and consultancy in times of NAD outbreak to the leadership team within the workgroup.
Leadership, qualifications and attributes
- Excellent leadership skills; a strategic thinker with analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
- Proven track record in team management and the ability to provide visionary veterinary professional leadership and functional management of a multidisciplinary team in a complex, uncertain and changing environment.
- Good knowledge of surveillance and threat detection, and an understanding of how data are gathered to provide surveillance intelligence, including sources of threat data and information.
- Willingness to develop research portfolios in support of applied outcomes in the area of endemic avian diseases.
What we offer
We will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. 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 of 25 days (rising one day per year up to 30 days after 5 years), flexible working, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
About APHA
The APHA is an Executive Agency of DEFRA, and our responsibilities are diverse and far-reaching. These include the identification and control of endemic and exotic diseases and pests in animals, plants and bees; the facilitation of international trade in animals, products of animal origin and plants; and the protection of endangered wildlife through licensing and registration.
Application Closing date: 13 April 2026.
Veterinary Lead for Avian Endemics (Virology) employer: DEFRA
Contact Detail:
DEFRA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Lead for Avian Endemics (Virology)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the veterinary field, especially those involved with avian diseases. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of avian virology and current issues in the field. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your work in avian virology, including any research or projects you've led. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Lead for Avian Endemics (Virology)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Veterinary Lead role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in avian virology, as well as any relevant consultancy work you've done. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about avian diseases and how your background makes you the perfect fit for APHA. Don’t forget to mention your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement: Since this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. We love seeing how you can build relationships and communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at DEFRA
✨Know Your Avian Virology
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in avian virological diseases, especially those relevant to the UK like IBV and ILT. Being able to discuss recent research or outbreaks will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them, as this role requires strong leadership and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement. Highlight any instances where you've collaborated with national or international bodies, as this will be crucial for the consultancy aspect of the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've had to analyse data for surveillance intelligence or threat detection. Be prepared to explain your thought process and how you arrived at solutions, as analytical skills are key for this position.