At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Supply Team to ensure veterinary medicines are safe and available.
- Company: Be part of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, a key agency in animal health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal health while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: A scientific degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field is required.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 38795 - 43395 £ per year.
Salary: £38,795 + 25 days Annual Leave + Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
Job Reference: 441082
Location: Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3LS
The closing date for applications is 9 March 2026.
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 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
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, where you will find a full job description including salary details. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer. No Recruitment Agency, Newspaper or Publication calls please.
Higher Scientific Officer in the Supply Team in Addlestone employer: Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Contact Detail:
Veterinary Medicines Directorate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Scientific Officer in the Supply Team in Addlestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the VMD on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your scientific knowledge and current trends in veterinary medicines. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice summarising complex scientific issues in simple terms. This role requires clear communication, so being able to explain things simply will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the VMD team.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Scientific Officer in the Supply Team in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your scientific background aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can contribute to the Supply Team's mission at VMD.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your written application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We’re looking for someone who can think on their feet, so let us know how you’ve risen to the occasion!
Attention to Detail is Key: Ensure your application is free from errors and clearly structured. We value precision, especially when summarising complex scientific issues, so double-check your work before hitting submit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the Civil Service Jobs website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Veterinary Medicines Directorate
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your scientific knowledge, especially in areas related to veterinary medicines and regulatory affairs. Be prepared to discuss how your degree or experience aligns with the role, and think of examples where you've applied your scientific skills in real-world situations.
✨Understand the VMD's Role
Familiarise yourself with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and its mission. Knowing how they ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines will help you answer questions more effectively and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role requires quick thinking and problem-solving, prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight how you successfully navigated those challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly
As summarising complex scientific issues for a lay audience is key, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. This will not only demonstrate your understanding but also your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, which is crucial for this role.
