Animal and Plant Health Agency
Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Epidemiology Vet
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Caernarfon, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Llandrindod Wells, Shrewsbury
Job Summary
Are you a veterinary epidemiologist looking to influence the future of bovine TB eradication in Wales?
Do you have the expertise to turn complex epidemiological data into actionable insights that shape national animal health policy?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
This is a unique opportunity to join a highly respected team at the forefront of disease surveillance, scientific analysis, and evidence-based policy development, working with Government, academia, stakeholder groups and industry partners to support the eradication of bovine TB in Wales.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.
We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
Job Description
The Wales Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Epidemiology Team was formed in 2013 and supports the Welsh Government's bTB Eradication Programme through epidemiological analysis, disease investigation, surveillance reporting, and evidence-based policy support. Working closely with APHA colleagues, Aberystwyth University, Wales Technical Advisory Group and the Wales TB Programme Board. The team provides scientific input to inform bTB control and eradication strategies across Wales.
Wales Technical Advisory Group for bTB was set up in April 2024, to provide independent and strategic advice on bTB eradication in Wales. A bTB Programme Board for Wales was established in December 2024. Currently, a significant proportion of the Wales bTB Epi Team’s workload is providing or supporting the provision of evidence requested by these groups.
Although this is primarily an epidemiology-based role, the postholder will be required to participate in an on-call rota and provide reasonable out-of-hours cover in line with business requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Epidemiology
- Leading epidemiological analysis and evidence generation to support bTB control and eradication in Wales
- Providing specialist veterinary and epidemiological advice to inform policy, disease control and operational decision-making
- Working with scientific partners and veterinary teams to enhance surveillance, analysis and the application of epidemiological evidence
- Regularly engaging with science colleagues at Aberystwyth University and Department of Epidemiological Sciences at Weybridge on how their analytical work can be further supported and be beneficial to use in Wales
- Communicating the outcomes of reports and analyses to policy customers, risk groups, BVA specialist divisions, private veterinary surgeons, APHA colleagues and others via direct communication and written documents
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Disease Investigation and Field Support
- Supporting disease investigations and complex case management through evidence-based and informed decision-making
- Providing specialist advice, training and quality assurance to veterinary and technical colleagues
- Applying relevant legislation and policy to support compliance and effective disease control
- Coaching, mentoring and training colleagues in epidemiological investigation techniques, reporting standards and quality assurance
Stakeholder Engagement
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with policy customers, industry, academia and operational partners
- Communicating complex scientific and epidemiological information to a range of audiences
- Representing APHA at regional and national forums
Learning and Continuous Improvement
- Developing and maintaining competency in data manipulation and analysis using spreadsheet and code-based statistical software
- Maintaining professional veterinary and epidemiological expertise through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Promoting continuous improvement through the development of guidance, learning materials and in line with best practice
Person Specification
You Will Need To Demonstrate:
- Experience of collecting, analysing and interpreting data to support investigation into animal health or welfare issues
- Strong interpersonal, and evidence-based decision-making skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific or epidemiological information to a range of audiences
- Experience using data analysis tools, including Microsoft Excel and/or statistical software such as R, to analyse, visualise and communicate findings
- Experience working with internal and external stakeholders, including providing advice and representing an organisation where appropriate
Qualifications
- Veterinary degree conferring eligibility to practice as a Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Memberships
- Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Which data visualisation approaches would you use to communicate bTB trends and patterns?
- How would you assess the quality and reliability of data used in a bTB investigation?
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Benefits
- Civil Service Pension - Defra contributes an average of 28.97% of your salary towards your pension
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role
- Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts from retailers such as high street coffee shops, cinema’s, supermarkets, high street retailers and many, more
- Staff bonuses and recognition including appreciate vouchers of up to £200 and larger in year awards of up to £1000,
- Salary sacrifice benefit options and an employee discount scheme such as bike to work, Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) scheme, (every £8 they pay in, the government adds £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 a year for each child)
- Discounted gym membership with Fitness First or Pure Gym
- Special Leave with pay, per year, for volunteering.
- Making it work for you - With so many flexible working options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a CV and complete a 750-word Personal Statement detailing your suitability for the role based on the bullet points within the Person Specification section of the advertisement above.
Eligibility
Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
This post offers the successful candidate an additional pay supplement of £3,000 upon appointment (pro rata). The supplement is paid per annum and divided as monthly payments. In addition to this, there is a further pay supplement of up to £3,000 (pro rata) which may be offered based on an annual competency assessment.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact:
Name: APHA Recruitment Team Email: recruitment.sdd@apha.gov.uk
Recruitment team
Email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here
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