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- Tasks: Join our team to develop and validate detection methods for human enteroviruses.
- Company: Be part of the MHRA, transforming healthcare regulation for better patient outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fixed-term contract with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health by monitoring polio-free status in the UK.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields; expertise in molecular assays required.
- Other info: Contract runs until 31 March 2029; apply by 11 February 2025.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Full time / Fixed term contract until 31 March 2029 The MHRA is transforming. Through enabling innovation, making the right judgements of the benefits and risks of medical products and forging the right partnerships in the UK and internationally, it aims to deliver world class regulation and improved outcomes for UK patients. We are currently looking for an experienced Senior Scientist to join our Global Specialised Polio Laboratory team within the Research & Development function in the Science, Research & Innovation group. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based work related to the use and further development and validation of direct detection methods for the identification and characterization of human enteroviruses in clinical and wastewater samples, particularly poliovirus as a key contribution to monitoring the polio-free status in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA). This will likely extend to the detection of additional viral targets such as SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, hepatitis A and E viruses and rotavirus as all have important public health relevance. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field or equivalent experience with evidence of R&D, experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets, including complex sequencing data from next generation sequencing, and be highly skilled in molecular assays applicable to primarily human viruses. Closing date: 11 February 2025
Senior Scientist – Polio Laboratory employer: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Contact Detail:
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist – Polio Laboratory
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience with molecular assays and any specific techniques you've mastered. The role emphasizes the need for skills in detecting human viruses, so showcasing relevant projects or research can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in direct detection methods for enteroviruses. Being able to discuss recent developments or innovations in this area during an interview will demonstrate your commitment and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with statistical analysis and how you've interpreted complex data sets in previous roles. This is crucial for the position, and being able to provide concrete examples will strengthen your candidacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the field of virology and public health. Engaging with current trends and challenges in the industry can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist – Polio Laboratory
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Scientist position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, especially the focus on laboratory work and experience with human enteroviruses.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Detail your R&D experience, particularly any work related to viral detection methods and statistical analysis of complex data sets.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills in molecular assays and any experience with next generation sequencing. Provide specific examples of how you have applied these skills in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application materials to reflect the values and goals of the MHRA. Mention your interest in public health and how your work can contribute to monitoring polio-free status in the UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to virology and molecular assays. Highlight any specific methodologies you used and the outcomes of your work, as this will demonstrate your expertise and relevance to the role.
✨Demonstrate Statistical Proficiency
Since the position requires experience with statistical analysis, be ready to explain how you've applied statistical methods to interpret complex data sets. Bring examples of how your analyses have influenced research outcomes or decision-making processes.
✨Understand the Role of Public Health
Familiarize yourself with the current public health landscape regarding enteroviruses and the significance of monitoring poliovirus. Showing that you understand the broader implications of your work will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to direct detection methods and next-generation sequencing. Brush up on the latest advancements in these areas and be ready to discuss how you would apply them in the context of the laboratory's goals.
