Description We are currently looking for a Laboratory Resource Lead Advisor to join our Control Testing function within the Science, Research & Innovation group. Please note this opportunity is currently only available to those working within the Civil Service. Applications from non-Civil Servants may not be reviewed and may be rejected. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be lab based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Occasional/hybrid remote working is possible but there’s expectations that staff will attend site most days. 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 regulatory proposition for patients and users via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 Functions, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety. The role will be part of a business & admin team – Laboratory Resources Team (LRT), within the Control Testing Function but will operate across all scientific functions of Control Testing, Standards Lifecycle, and Research and Development at our Science Campus. The Laboratory Resources Team provides administrative and scientific business support to each function and their teams in areas including, but not limited to; finance, ordering and budgeting; travel booking; equipment and lab facilities including capital requirements; information management; risk and business continuity; and health and safety. What’s the role? The role will support and deputise for the Scientific Resource Managers and oversee the work of the Laboratory Resource Advisors in providing administrative and scientific business support to the scientific functions and teams across our Science Campus at South Mimms. The role will interact with MHRA teams in the Corporate Group and others outside of SRI as required. The role will include line-management of 2 Laboratory Resource Business Coordinators, a new role that has been recently approved and soon to be advertised. This is a very dynamic role with multiple interfaces and a great opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge in various areas. The post holder will be expected to lead and contribute to design and implementation of improvements and changes in working practices and service development with input to business planning at team and function level. All responsibilities are performed in accordance with relevant standing operating procedures, Quality Standard systems and appropriate policies and regulatory guidelines. Key responsibilities: Oversee the day-to-day ordering of goods and services for the S&R scientific functions, including contract-management of centralised contracts to maintain, calibrate and repair laboratory equipment, and identification of areas for improvement to working procedures. Manage and supervise other team members to ensure deliverables are to expected standards, i.e. the role includes supervision of staff and/or line-management, and allocation of duties and overseeing workload across the team. Responsible for the delivery of general and more complex programmes of work to project timescales within the parameters determined by the LRT Head and LRT managers. Deputise for LRT managers on various areas including the capital planning & delivery programme, and other Commercial and Financial operations activities, and provide advice and guidance to scientific staff, visitors and contractors and other internal stakeholders across the Agency in all areas of responsibility. Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will have the following: Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C and above (including Maths and English), or extensive relevant work experience. Experience of overseeing workload of a small team, including supervision of staff and allocation of duties. Well-documented experience involving both an understanding of laboratory equipment services and knowledge of managing contracts. Experience of scientific laboratory procurement would be an advantage. Organisation, planning, changing and improving with excellent communication and influencing skills. Problem solving and effective decision making skills with a clear understanding of objectives, activities and timeframes. Able to manage a quality service with attention to detail, working accurately and precisely, with proactivity and adaptability to changing business 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 Experience – ‘ Experience in a business support role in a commercial and science-based or medical environment, working within quality management systems, specially within a laboratory setting. An understanding of laboratory equipment services and experience in staff and contract management, including supervision of staff and allocation of duties. Experience of scientific laboratory procurement would be an advantage.’ 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: 28 April 2025 Shortlisting date: 2 May 2025 Interview date: 12 – 23 May 2025. Interviews will be held in person at our Science Campus in South Mimms, Hertfordshire 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. 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 Oyelami, 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