Senior Scientist and Cell Production Lead

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist and Cell Production Lead to join our Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Function within the Science Research and Innovation group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. 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 Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 5 sub-Groups, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety. The Research & Development function will deliver statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for extant and future biological medicines. Research and Development will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biologicals, biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation that is currently hosted by the South Mimms Science Campus). This is a statutory activity and includes international centres of excellence such as those working on polio, influenza and the UK Stem Cell Bank. What’s the role? The Advanced Therapies Team in the R&D function of the SRI group comprises a multi-disciplinary team of internationally respected scientists whose focus is on the regulatory research required to ensure safe and effective Advanced Therapy medicines are available to patients. The post holder shall provide scientific and technical input into the day-to-day banking and QC activities of the UKSCB and ensure that the work streams are completed to the agreed timelines and within the required quality framework. The work will be centered around the banking, characterisation and safety testing of human embryonic stem cells under the Human and Tissues Authority (HTA). The post-holder is also expected to deliver on internal and external cell supply under the ISO 9001 quality system and to Deputise for the Head of Cell Production. Key responsibilities: Ensure effective service delivery by carrying out banking and quality control testing of human embryonic stem cells according to UKSCB standard operating procedures and ensuring HTA and ISO9001 compliance; preparing cell culture media and specialist reagents, carrying-out stock control procedures, maintaining batch records and monitoring and maintaining liquid nitrogen levels in the storage refrigerators; maintaining quality control records and cell line documentation. Ensure effective delivery of cell production service under ISO9001, including banking, QC, stock control and supplying mammalian cells both globally and within the institute. Provide scientific and technical input into the banking programme including validation studies on processes and equipment. Write reports and represent the UKSCB at consortium and other meetings as appropriate. Deputise for the Head of Cell Production as required. Including, but not limited to: ensuring banks of cell lines are established according to documented procedures and specifications; acting as a point of contact for the biannual planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and annual clean down and re-certification of the UKSCB cleanrooms, facility maintenance. Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following. Experience of working in a cleanroom environment and/or within a recognised quality system. BSc and PhD or MSc with equivalent experience in cell or molecular biology, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Practical experience in a range of molecular and cell biology techniques for example human embryonic stem cell culture, mammalian embryonic stem cell culture, cell culture, Flow Cytometry, qPCR Delivering at Pace – Excellent organisational skills and ability to plan work to optimise time management and output across multiple projects. Team Player - You work well as part of a team and strive to ensure the team pulls together and is effective Person Specification: Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview Behaviour Criteria: Delivering at Pace (A, I) Working Together (A, I) Managing a Quality Service (A, I) Experience Criteria: Extensive practical experience of pluripotent stem cell cultures and of other mammalian cell types. (A, I) Extensive practical experience of molecular and cell biology, including microscopy, flow cytometry and qPCR. (A, I) Experience of working in a cleanroom environment and/or within a recognised quality system. (A, I) Experience in gathering, analysing, interpreting and reporting on a range of complex biological data and information. (A, I) Technical Criteria: PhD in cell or molecular biology, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). (A, I) Considerable relevant post-doctoral experience or equivalent. (A, I) Knowledge of working with EUTCD, HTA and/or GMP. (A, I) Strengths Criteria Disciplined (I) Focused (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. 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 that they have extensive practical experience of pluripotent stem cell cultures and of other mammalian cell types. 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 Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. 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: 4th January 2026 Shortlisting date: from 12th January 2026 Interview date: from 19th January 2026 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