Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Epidemiology Vet

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. 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 will be as follows: 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
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