Molecular Biologist / Bioinformatician

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.

The Bacteriology Department is seeking a bioinformatician/molecular biologist in the Antimicrobial Resistance and Enteric Pathogens team. You will provide scientific expertise and leadership by collaboration with other departments, deliver work under research projects and surveillance contracts involving the investigation of bacteria of significance to food safety and public health.

Applicants with working knowledge of molecular microbiology and bioinformatics, short or long read sequencing technologies and demonstrable experience in processing sequencing datasets within a UNIX environment using coding language (e.g. python, perl, R, bash) are invited to apply.

A full job specification and role requirements can be found by clicking the apply button.

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.

Other Information

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all post holders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the CTC residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have a minimum of 3 years continuous UK residency.

Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 2nd October 2026