Description We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist – Cellular Immunology to join our Research & Development function within the Science, Research & Innovation group. 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. 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 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety. The SR&I 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 National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC). This is a statutory activity and includes international centres of excellence such as those working on polio, influenza and the UK Stem Cell Bank. The Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Team in the R&D function of the SR&I group comprises a multi-disciplinary team of internationally respected scientists whose focus is on the regulatory research required to ensure safe and effective biotherapeutic and advanced therapy medicines are available to patients. What’s the role? The post will help initiate and be the practical lead in management of flow cytometry facility and the delivery of a programme of high-quality research underpinning the development of Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) international standards and assays that will underpin national and international safety and patient follow up for these products. The post-holder will provide expert advice both internally and externally. The work will be centred around day-to-day running of flow cytometry facility, cell sorting service and R&D activities in the field of cellular immunology. The post holder is also expected to keep up to date with knowledge in immunology areas and will engage with colleagues across the agency to help bring Biotherapeutics and ATMPs to patients. Key responsibilities: Take responsibility for site-wide flow cytometry laboratory facilities and equipment in which staff work and are designated laboratory supervisors. Provide support and training to colleagues and perform cell sorts. Develop and maintain a portfolio of SOPs, Risk Assessments and guidelines for delivery of flow cytometry services across South Mimms campus. Contribute to the strategic direction of the R&D undertaken in the team, with a focus on the development of novel WHO International standards and assays for flow cytometry applications. Initiate and plan a programme of research activities, collaborating internally and externally with expert scientists. Collaborate with colleagues in the Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing functions of the SR&I Group to provide expert scientific advice and practical support for the timely production of physical standards and optimal control testing for ATMPs and other biotherapeutic medicines and flow cytometry applications. Engage with, and provide expert advice to, national and international stakeholders including WHO, the global Pharmacopoeias, manufacturers, regulatory organisations and academia. Represent the agency externally as an expert in Cellular Immunology, Immunoassays and Flow Cytometry applications where required Develop and validate where necessary cell-based and immunoassays for the quality and safety control of ATMPs and other biotherapeutic medicines. Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will have: PhD in immunology/cell biology or related discipline, or relevant equivalent post-graduate experience Technical and practical knowledge around flow cytometry and cell sorting (including equipment up-keep) in multi-user settings and/or flow cytometry assay development or validation Experience in developing and applying innovative technical procedures for diagnostic or therapeutic product analysis Proven experience in working in flow cytometry facility or using multi-parameter flow cytometry assays Ability to act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance 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, with further details to be provided if you reach the Interview 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 Proven experience in working in flow cytometry facility or using multi-parameter flow cytometry 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 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: 19 June 2025 Shortlisting date: 20 June 2025 Interview date: W/C 30 June 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. 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