Pharmaceutical Quality Assessor

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines in the UK.

We have a vacancy for a Pharmaceutical Quality Assessor.

This exciting and interesting job puts you at the heart of authorising veterinary medicines for the UK market and plays a major role in assuring the quality and hence the safety and efficacy of these medicines. You will be a member of the Quality team, one of three specialist teams within the Pharmaceuticals Section, which is in turn part of the Authorisations Division.

The main role of the Quality team is to assess quality data submitted by companies in support of their application for marketing authorisations for veterinary medicines, and applications to vary these authorisations. The Quality team also has a significant role in the delivery of the VMD’s regulatory science strategy, development of regulatory and scientific guidelines, assessment of product defects, and supporting delivery of the VMD’s international activities, including training other veterinary medicines regulators.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical science, or another relevant subject.

Skills and Experience

We’re looking for someone that:

• has the ability to critically analyse scientific information from a range of sources and make sound judgements for medicines.
• has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• has experience within the pharmaceutical industry or academia in at least one of the following: regulatory affairs, research and development, manufacture, or quality control of medicinal products.
• has knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures applicable to the licensing of medicinal products.
• is proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams, be able to use or learn to use Sharepoint, and be prepared to learn to use VMD bespoke databases.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in applying for this position, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application via the Civil Service Jobs website, where you will find a full job description including salary details.

The closing date for applications is 16 November 2026.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer.

No Recruitment Agency, Newspaper or Publication calls please.

£47,557 pro rata if applicable