Senior Scientific Officer (x2 posts)

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 a Senior Scientific Officer in the Biologicals Team.

These exciting and interesting roles will put you at the heart of the important work of the VMD’s Biologicals Section and the authorisation in the UK of biological/immunological veterinary products, including vaccines and novel therapy veterinary medicinal products.

Your primary role will be to assess the quality, safety and efficacy data submitted by pharmaceutical companies in support of their applications of marketing authorisations for biological/immunological veterinary medicinal products. These applications will include complex variations to existing marketing authorisations and sections of applications for new marketing authorisations. You will also support other scientists and veterinarians in the assessment of more complex applications.

Qualifications

You must have a degree in microbiology, immunology or other relevant biological or science-based discipline.

We require someone that has experience:

• applying analytical and problem–solving skills quickly to assimilate scientific and other information, identify issues, draw conclusions, and make recommendations when preparing scientific reports relating to the evaluation of the benefit/risk of applications.
• communicating complex scientific issues, in writing and face-to-face, with clarity.
• proven ability to meet deadlines.
• prioritising continuous self-learning and development identifying those areas that you need to develop to achieve your future objectives.

We require someone that:

• a good understanding of current animal health and topical veterinary issues
• knowledge of the UK and European regulatory frameworks applicable to biological/immunological veterinary medicinal products
• practical experience and/or experience in the pharmaceutical industry or manufacturing of biological/immunological product
• line management experience, as we may ask you to line manage, supervise and develop Higher Scientific Officers within the Biologicals Section.
• You must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint 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 14th September 2026.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer.

No Recruitment Agency, Newspaper or Publication calls please.

£46,060 pro rata if applicable