Description We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist to join our Standards Lifecycle Function within the Science and Research group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract until 1 st September 2027. 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 and Research Group delivers public health impact through four subgroups: Control Testing, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, and Health & Safety and Quality Assurance, working together to ensure quality, drive innovation, and improve health outcomes. The Standards Lifecycle Function produces the MHRA’s biological reference materials. Marketed using the NIBSC brand, the Agency is a global leader in the standardisation and control of biological medicines and related diagnostic materials. What’s the role? The postholder will support the development, preparation, characterisation and maintenance of new and replacement reference materials, with an emphasis on supporting ongoing contract related projects. The role also includes contributing to the research activities that underpin the standardisation programme within the Blood Products area, which encompasses coagulation factors, inhibitors, thrombolytics and heparin. Working as part of a small team, the postholder will contribute to ensuring the availability of safe and effective biological medicines for clinical use, which covers clotting factor or inhibitor deficiencies alongside heparins, and support the advancement of diagnostic testing. Key responsibilities: Help prepare and carry out laboratory tasks for Blood Products reference material projects, which may include handling samples, completing routine tests, recording results accurately, and supporting the team with data entry and documentation. Carry out all laboratory work in line with quality and safety procedures, assisting with routine checks to ensure reference materials remain reliable. Help monitor how reference materials are used by processing simple customer requests, updating stock information, and assisting the team in keeping track of products that may need replacing. Support the smooth running of the laboratory by ordering consumables, keeping the workspace clean and organised, preparing equipment for calibration or servicing, and helping maintain equipment records. Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will have: A degree or equivalent relevant experience, plus practical biologically based laboratory experience. Experience with one or more of the laboratory methods listed in the job description. Knowledge of biological standardisation principles and the use of reference materials. Ability to work collaboratively within the team and with other groups, including nonscientists and external stakeholders. Strong analytical and data management skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex data sets. Person Specification: Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation Behaviour Criteria: Working Together (A, I) Changing and Improving (A, I) Communicating and Influencing (A, I) Experience Criteria: Experience of working on concurrent projects with effective prioritisation of tasks (A, I) Experience of performing one or more of the following laboratory techniques: immunoassays, biochemical assays, molecular assays, cell-based assays (A, I, P) Familiarity with working under a quality management system is desirable (A, I) Technical Criteria: A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific discipline (A, I) Skilled in manipulation of scientific data, statistical analysis and interpretation of results derived from large data sets (A, I, P) Good understanding of the principles of standardisation and the application of standards and controls in laboratory assays (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 Experience of performing one or more of the following laboratory techniques: immunoassays, biochemical assays, molecular assays, cell-based assays. 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: 17 th April 2026 Shortlisting date: from 20 th April 2026 Interview date: from 28 th April 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. Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer. Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater. The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer. 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, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@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