Medical Entomologist
UK Health Security Agency
Salisbury, SP4 0JGView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£33,422 to £40,731
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
28 October 2026
9 days leftJob description
The Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology (MEZE) group assess, prepare, and respond to current and emerging vector-borne disease threats in the UK. Th...
The main duties of the Medical Entomologist are related to vector surveillance and research activities in the UK, and involves data collection, analysis and interpretation, writing of scientific reports and publications.
- Support the delivery of scientific research/surveillance/externally funded projects relating to arthropod vectors and vector-borne diseases, including mosquitoes, ticks and other vectors of public health importance.
- Undertake literature reviews and horizon-scanning activities, extracting, evaluating and summarising key scientific publications.
- Assist with the collection, analysis and interpretation of surveillance/research data working with project leads and collaborators to deliver high-quality scientific outputs.
- Contribute to ecological fieldwork, vector surveillance activities and lab-based arthropod identification using established scientific techniques and protocols.
- Support the investigation of emerging vector-borne disease threats and contribute to public health preparedness and response activities as required.
- Prepare scientific reports/literature reviews/presentations and other technical outputs to support UKHSA activities, peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder communications.
- Contribute to the development of advice, guidance and risk assessments relating to vector-borne diseases and their public health impact.
The above is not exhaustive list.
- Develop effective working relationships with UKHSA colleagues, academic partners, local authorities and other organisations involved in vector surveillance/research/public health protection.
- Support the representation of the MEZE group at meetings/workshops/professional events as appropriate.
- Contribute to training and knowledge-sharing activities by supporting colleagues/collaborators in field/lab and surveillance techniques.
- Maintain professional competency through participation in training, appraisal and continuing professional development activities, and ensure compliance with all mandatory organisational requirements.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
- Degree in Medical Entomology, Entomology, Zoology, Ecology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in medical entomology, including arthropod identification, field and laboratory techniques, scientific literature review, public health communication, risk assessment, and data analysis.
- Knowledge of medical entomology and vector-borne diseases and experience of conducting robust and/or systematic literature reviews, including use of relevant databases and references management software.
- Knowledge and practical experience of using ecological field-based techniques for research and/or surveillance.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce scientific reports and presentations.
- Ability to work as part of a team, and independently, to deliver shared goals. Using organisational, time management and prioritisation skills to deliver agreed project goals/milestones within agreed timescales.
- Experience in working within an environment where sudden unexpected demands require flexibility and re-prioritisation of work.
- Willing to travel overseas to deliver project goals and carry out scientific research and/or training.
- Experience of relevant laboratory-based working practices for the identification of vectors (morphologically or molecularly) and/or pathogens e.g. PCR, sequencing.
- Experience of analysing ecological datasets and use of statistical software packages.
- Experience of manipulating/presenting data using ArcGIS.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledge, experience, skills and abilities outlined in the Essential Criteria.
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.You will be required to complete:
- an Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application)
- a 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over and above this number
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your application form and supporting statement.
The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload or email us your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.
In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all Essential Criteria
- Meets some Essential Criteria
- Meets no Essential Criteria
Only 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following 2 Essential Criteria:
- Knowledge of medical entomology and vector-borne diseases
- Knowledge and experience of conducting robust and/or systematic literature reviews, including use of relevant databases and references management software
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
You will be invited to a single face-to-face interview at our lab in Porton Down. Interview(s) to be confirmed.
In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria:
Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Application Form & Supporting Statement
Essential: - Application Form & Supporting Statement
Interview
Essential: - Questions on Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
14 October 2026
Last checked
15 October 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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