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Salary We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist – Viral Vaccines Standards to join our Standards LifecycleTeam within the Science, Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. This role is laboratory based at our South Mimms site in Hertfordshire. There may be the occasional opportunity for remote working. Not all roles will be suitable for remote working. 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 Scientific 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 6 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.
Standards Lifecycle produce the MHRA 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 tests and is responsible for developing and producing over 90% of the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Standards in use around the world to assure the quality of these important products. The function is responsible for the WHO and other categories of Reference Materials and develops them from research and prototype materials through to completed validated protocol including manufacture and distribution.
What’s the role?
The role will contribute scientific and technical expertise as part of a team of scientists who will manage and deliver prioritised standardisation projects relating to viral vaccines and viral infectious diseases, including projects to establish new reference materials as well as projects that will ensure existing reference materials are replaced. The role will use experience and knowledge to perform microbiological and immunological based laboratory experiments, supporting with the delivery of viral vaccine standards projects. This will include liaising with colleagues across the Agency to provide scientific expertise and with external partners where required.
Key responsibilities:
1. Providing technical expertise and administrative support to enable the timely delivery of reference material projects in the viral vaccines area.
2. Supporting the development of innovative reference materials through assay development and testing, as well as collaboration with others in the wider group.
3. Supporting the running of large multi-laboratory studies that are used to demonstrate fitness for purpose of candidate reference materials and contributing to the preparation of comprehensive written reports to support establishment and implementation of new or replacement standards.
4. Working with colleagues in Quality Assurance to ensure that projects managed by the team are compliant with relevant quality management systems.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will:
- Be comfortable with working collaboratively with the team and other scientific staff groups to share information, resources, and support team-working and good time-management. Establishing professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Have an understanding of the principles and practices of working with infectious micro-organisms in a containment laboratory.
- Have experience of developing and running assays for biological activity including assays requiring viral growth and neutralisation.
- Have a BSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline combined with experience working in a laboratory.
- Have a broad knowledge of the technical field in which viral vaccine standards are used and practical experience in standardisation of assays used to evaluate vaccines or the response to immunisation.
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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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.
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.
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: 2nd February 2024
Interview date: W/C 12th February 2024
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 Mira Mepa, Head of Recruitment and Operations, Mira.Mepa@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
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