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Job Description
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, 23‑month fixed term contract based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. The role is only available to UK residents.
About the Agency
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhances and improves the health of millions of people 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, supporting clinical trials and access to novel medicines. It comprises four sub‑groups: Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing, and Health & Safety and Quality Assurance.
What’s the role?
This opportunity involves developing a unique research reagent repository in line with the objectives 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) to support vaccine assessment against emerging pathogens.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage scientific projects in line with CEPI’s objectives, report to stakeholders and complete deliverables on time.
* 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.
* Develop and optimise serological assays, including ELISA and neutralisation assays, for emerging pathogens.
* Manage the inventory of the CEPI adjuvant library and coordinate the transfer of adjuvants between partners.
* Support the team leader in maintaining ISO 9001 compliance, expand the network and promote the repository’s activities through proactive engagement with the scientific community.
Who are we looking for?
* Post‑graduate degree in Virology or a related subject with extensive experience in containment level 2 laboratories (level 3 desirable).
* Extensive technical skills in 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 managing scientific projects with excellent communication skills, a proactive attitude and the ability to liaise with collaborators of varying seniority.
* Excellent analytical skills; able to analyse data with appropriate software, and present complex data verbally and in writing (e.g., scientific publication).
* Thorough, detail‑focused, precise, with ideally experience working under a quality management system.
Application Process
* Online application form covering Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Complete all questions; incomplete responses may result in the application not being considered.
* Interview, which may include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
Selection Criteria (interim sift)
* Postgraduate degree in virology or related discipline or equivalent experience.
* Extensive technical skills performing molecular and cellular biology experiments, including cell culture, viral propagation, ELISA, qPCR, NGS, neutralisation assays and recombinant protein production, purification and characterisation.
Key Dates
Closing date: 27 November 2025
Shortlisting date: 1 December 2025
Interview date: 15 December 2025
Contact
For assistance applying for this role or any other questions, contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.
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