Senior Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Assessor

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.