Cattle TB Vaccine Deputy Project Leader

Working under the umbrella of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is the government agency responsible for keeping the nation safe from animal disease, identifying infections that may impact on people, the environment, and the economy. We also respond to disease outbreaks, conduct scientific research, and support the international trade of animal products and plants – meaning our work is high profile and fascinating.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one of the most difficult and intractable animal health challenges that the UK faces today and costs taxpayers in England around £100 million every year. Over 38,000 cattle in England and Wales were slaughtered in 2021 to tackle the disease. APHA is working towards a deployable cattle TB vaccine and associated skin test to Detect Infected among Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) as part of efforts to eradicate bovine TB in the UK.

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Project Lead to help oversee the on-going Cattle Vaccine Trial project. You will support the current Project Lead, facilitating and supporting the coordination, oversight and delivery of cattle vaccine project, working towards Marketing Authorisation (MA) of cattle vaccine and associated DIVA Skin Test by 2027. It is an extremely diverse area of work having to balance expectations against operational challenges. The role is constantly evolving and never static. It requires a pragmatic individual coupled with exceptional communication skills to ensure strategic direction towards MA is maintained.

A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.

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, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer flexible working.

Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024.