At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the assessment of veterinary medicines and ensure their safety and efficacy.
- Company: Join the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, a key player in animal health regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal and public health while shaping industry standards.
- Qualifications: Degree in Veterinary Medicine and 4+ years in a relevant field required.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 86800 £ per year.
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 a Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor. This exciting and high-impact job puts you at the heart of post-authorisation surveillance of veterinary medicines for the UK market and plays a major role in assuring the ongoing assessment of the benefit-risk balance for the use of these medicines.
As a senior member of the Pharmacovigilance (PhV) team within the Authorisations Division, you will help protect animal, environmental and public health through a globally recognised approach to pharmacovigilance.
In this role, you will:
- Contribute to applications assessments, including variations to Marketing Authorisations (MAs), by evaluating data and implementing regulatory actions, including risk mitigations to help ensure the quality, safety, efficacy, and availability of VMPs in the UK.
- Line manage and support assessors, inspectors and support staff, helping to lead a fast-paced, demand-led area of surveillance.
- Oversee the production of internal and external reports and management information, supporting evidence-based decision-making and regulatory compliance.
- Stay informed on developments in pharmacovigilance and veterinary medicines regulation and proactively contribute to the development and review of scientific and regulatory guidelines that support product quality, safety, efficacy, and industry innovation.
- Operate within a complex scientific and legislative environment, applying veterinary and scientific expertise while embracing innovation and supporting the UK’s international reputation as a leading regulator of veterinary medicines.
Qualifications
- A degree in Veterinary Medicine with practical clinical experience of the use of veterinary medicinal products.
- MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London, UK), or eligible to become MRCVS prior to taking employment.
Essential Experience and Knowledge
- A substantial body of relevant experience, with a minimum of 4 years in a clinical, regulatory or pharmaceutical setting, ideally within pharmacovigilance or a related scientific regulatory field.
- Understanding of regulatory systems for the authorisation and use of medicinal products, including GB VMRs and EU Regulation 2019/6 (as applicable in NI).
- Proven ability to evaluate complex scientific, clinical or technical data and develop clear, risk-based recommendations that protect animal, public and environmental health.
- Experience managing operational delivery in a high throughput environment with competing deadlines and quality assured outputs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, support staff development and effectively manage key business processes under pressure.
Skills and Attributes
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of clearly presenting complex scientific and regulatory issues in challenging and high stakes settings, and producing clear written outputs (e.g., publications, reports, Ministerial submissions, FOI responses, press queries).
- Strong analytical, numeracy and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret incomplete or complex evidence and draw sound conclusions.
- Calm and effective under pressure, with a proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
- Ability to provide strategic leadership and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other regulators.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team.
- Awareness of organisational context and governance, with the ability to prioritise and make informed decisions under pressure.
- Capability of working in a multicultural environment with colleagues from different departments and organisations.
- Self-motivated with a focus on quality delivery.
- You must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word, Excel 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 where you will find a full job description including salary details. The closing date for applications is 6 April 2026.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer. No Recruitment Agency, Newspaper or Publication calls please.
Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor in London employer: Veterinary Medicines Directorate
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Addlestone, Surrey, where you can make a significant impact on animal and public health. With a competitive salary of £62,000, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, VMD prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a globally recognised team dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficacy of veterinary medicines while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your expertise and contributions.
Contact Details:
Veterinary Medicines Directorate Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, especially those who might have insights into pharmacovigilance. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of regulatory systems and recent developments in veterinary medicines. We want you to shine when discussing how you can contribute to the VMD's mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've managed teams or projects in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in the fast-paced world of pharmacovigilance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor. We want to see how your skills and background fit into our mission at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your veterinary medicine knowledge and pharmacovigilance experience. We’re looking for someone who can evaluate complex data, so give us examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and decision-making abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to present your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via the Civil Service Jobs website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Veterinary Medicines Directorate
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of veterinary medicines and pharmacovigilance regulations. Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in the field, especially GB VMRs and EU Regulation 2019/6. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your relevant experience in clinical, regulatory, or pharmaceutical settings. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've evaluated complex data and made risk-based recommendations. This will highlight your ability to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Communication is Key
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating complex scientific concepts clearly. You might be asked to explain a challenging issue, so think about how you can present your thoughts in a straightforward manner that anyone can understand.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a senior member of the team, you'll need to show your ability to lead and support others. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams or projects under pressure, and be ready to discuss your approach to staff development and operational delivery.
