Senior Scientist

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist to join our Research and Development Function within the Science and Research group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a 23-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 Science and Research group delivers public health impact through world-leading research and innovation to support clinical trials and availability of novel medicines. It comprises 4 sub-Groups: Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Health & Safety and Quality Assurance. The Research and Development (R&D) group delivers an internationally leading programme that supports development of and access to novel biological medicines, biological standards, diagnostics, vaccines, biotherapeutics and advanced therapy medicinal products. What’s the role? This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in the development of a unique research reagent repository in line with the objectives and priority pathogens of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). New reagents will be sourced, produced, characterised and distributed to CEPI partners, as part of the CEPI Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) activities to support the assessment of new vaccines against emerging pathogens and new innovative combinations of adjuvants and immunogens. Key responsibilities: To manage scientific projects in line with CEPI’s objectives, report to stakeholder and complete deliverables in a timely manner. To identify, source, produce and characterise new research and reference reagents to support the development, validation, control and monitoring of immunological assays used by CEPI CLN. To develop and optimise serological assays, including ELISA and neutralisation assays, for emerging pathogens To manage the inventory of the CEPI adjuvant library and coordinate the transfer of adjuvants between partners. To support the team leader in maintaining compliance of the repository’s operations to ISO 9001 standards, and to expand the network and promote the activities of the repository through proactive engagement with the scientific community. Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following. Post-graduate degree in Virology or related subject with extensive experience working in containment level 2 laboratories (level 3 desirable). Extensive technical skills performing molecular and cellular biology such as cell culture, viral propagation and characterisation, ELISA, qPCR, NGS, neutralisation assays, and recombinant protein production, purification and characterisation. Experience in managing scientific project with excellent communication skills, proactive attitude and ability to liaise with collaborators with different degrees of seniority. Excellent analytical skills, analysing using appropriate software, interpreting and presenting complex data verbally and in writing (e.g. scientific publication). Thorough, detail-focused, precise with ideally experience working under a quality management system. 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. 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 the following. Postgraduate degree in virology or related discipline or equivalent experience. Extensive technical skills performing molecular and cellular biology experiments including cell culture, viral propagation and characterisation, ELISA, qPCR, NGS, neutralisation assays, and recombinant protein production, purification and characterisation. 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. Use of AI in Job Applications Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. 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: 27th November 2025 Shortlisting date: from 1st December 2025 Interview date: from 15th December 2025 Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome. 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