Gene Therapy - Senior Scientist

We are currently looking for a Gene Therapy Senior Scientist to join our Gene Therapy Function within the Science Research and Innovation group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a 12-month fixed term contract basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Who are we? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The research and development function of the MHRA Science Campus comprises a multi-disciplinary team of internationally respected scientists who deliver strategically aligned regulatory scientific research focused on the development and distribution of biological reference materials. The Gene Therapy team aims to impact the future safety and quality of gene therapies through addressing regulatory focused research questions and by driving the global harmonisation of gene therapy critical quality attribute assessment, underpinned by the development and application of new physical standards. What’s the role? The post will provide a practical lead in the development and delivery of high quality research and standardisation projects focused on the development of international standards and assays that will underpin national and international safety for these products. The work will be centred around viral vectors, with a particular focus on AAVs and Lentiviral vectorsus, CAR-T cell therapies and genome editing. The post holder is also expected to keep up to date with knowledge in other gene therapy areas and engage with colleagues across the agency to help bring gene therapy products to patients. Key responsibilities: Contribute to the strategic direction of the design and development of novel gene therapy standards and assay development Assist in the delivery of gene therapy regulatory focused research activities using a collaborative approach Optimise and establish molecular, genetic, immunochemical, virological and cellular assays for the validation of viral vector standards and for the quality and safety control of gene therapy products. Gather, analyse and effectively present information to colleagues and collaborators. Use specialist tools as required for data generation and analysis, progress monitoring, material validation and report preparation. Take responsibility for laboratory facilities and equipment and provide supervision and training to junior team members where required. Provide support to colleagues in the Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing functions to ensure the timely production of physical standards and optimal control testing for biotherapeutic medicines. Engage with, national and international stakeholders and represent the agency externally where required. Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following. PhD in a gene therapy or molecular biology related discipline with relevant practical experience (or equivalent industry-based experience) and good understanding of the gene therapy field. Experience working in gene therapy research and development Extensive practical experience in viral vector production, handling and manipulation of mammalian cell lines, genome editing, primary cell culture and multi parameter flow cytometry. Extensive experience in molecular biology techniques such as q-PCR, d-PCR, ELISA and cloning. Experience in analysing information, including complex scientific data, to inform decisions and direct projects. Ability to work independently, monitor individual work milestones, manage multiple tasks, and prioritise workload accordingly. Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively as part of a wider multidisciplinary team, establishing professional collaborative relationships and sharing information and resources Delivery of high-quality outcomes on budget, identifying risks and aiming to resolve issues efficiently. Person Specification: Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation Behaviour Criteria: Delivering at Pace (I) Working Together (A, I) Managing a Quality Service (I) Experience Criteria: PhD in a gene therapy or molecular biology related discipline with relevant practical experience (or equivalent industry-based experience) and good understanding of the gene therapy field. (A, I) Experience working in gene therapy research and development (A, I, P) Experience or interest in standardisation and medicines control (A, I) Technical Criteria: Extensive practical experience in viral vector production, handling and manipulation of mammalian cell lines, genome editing, primary cell culture and multi parameter flow cytometry (A, I, P) Extensive experience in molecular biology techniques such as q-PCR, d-PCR, ELISA and cloning. (A, I, P) Strengths Criteria Analytical (I) Team Player (I) If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk The selection process: We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage. Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of candidates demonstrating In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of candidates demonstrating that they have experience or interest in standardisation and medicines control. Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible. Closing date: 5th December 2025 Shortlisting date: from 8th December 2025 Interview date: from 17th December 2025 If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include: Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here. Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk. In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Florentina Oleylami, Head of Talent Acquisition, Florentina.Oyelami@mhra.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk info@csc.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ