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- Tasks: Lead the development of international reference materials for Klebsiella vaccines.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, enhancing global health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by influencing vaccine development.
- Qualifications: Strong background in immunology or biochemistry; experience with immunoassays preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally in a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist - Klebsiella Vaccine Standardisation to join our Vaccines Function within the Science and Research group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 31st January 2029. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
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, working together to ensure quality, drive innovation, and improve health outcomes. The Vaccines Division sits within the Science and Research Group, and it is one of the largest R&D functions at the Agency. The Division comprises scientists working across the breadth of the vaccine field. It delivers world-leading vaccine research to improve standardisation and the development of WHO-endorsed international reference materials that underpin global access to safe and effective vaccines.
What's the role?
The postholder will lead scientific efforts to develop international reference materials and assays supporting Klebsiella pneumoniae vaccine development, a key global health and antimicrobial resistance priority. Working with international collaborators at the interface of vaccinology, immunology, and analytical laboratory science, the postholder will contribute directly to international assay harmonisation and reference material standardisation. This position presents a rare opportunity to influence the global evaluation of future Klebsiella vaccines.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the development and characterisation of conjugated Klebsiella K- and O-antigen reference materials, including a candidate international serum standard.
- Develop, optimise, and apply immunological and functional assays, including ELISA and multiplex platforms (Luminex), to support assay harmonisation and comparability.
- Coordinate and contribute to international collaborative studies with academic, industrial, and public-health partners.
- Analyse, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data through reports, presentations, and publications, supporting regulatory and global health objectives.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will have:
- A strong background in immunology, biochemistry, or related vaccine sciences.
- Practical experience developing or applying immunoassays (e.g. ELISA, inhibition ELISA, functional assays).
- The ability to analyse and interpret complex biological data and communicate findings clearly.
- Experience working collaboratively across teams or organisations, including international partners.
Desirable:
- Experience with multiplex immunoassay platforms (e.g. Luminex), or a strong interest in developing these skills alongside existing immunoassay expertise.
Method of assessment:
A=Application, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria
- Working Together (A, I)
Experience Criteria
- Practical experience in developing and validating immunological assays (e.g., ELISA), ideally related to polysaccharide antigens or bacterial vaccines (A, I, P)
- Experience working with bacterial polysaccharides, proteins or their conjugates (A, I, P)
- Experience with Analytical characterisation of bacterial antigens or proteins or polysaccharides (A, I, P)
Desirable:
- Experience with multiplex immunoassay platforms such as Luminex xMAP, including assay development, optimisation, and data analysis (A, I, P)
Technical Criteria
- A PhD in immunology, biochemistry, or a related field or equivalent experience (A, I)
- Strong hands-on expertise in immunological and analytical techniques (e.g., ELISA, chromatography and spectroscopy) (A, I)
- Proven ability to analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate complex experimental data, and to communicate findings clearly through high-quality scientific reports or peer-reviewed publications and presentations to specialist and non-specialist audiences (A, I)
Strengths Criteria
- Resilient (I)
- Analytical (I)
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification.
Klebsiella Vaccine Standardisation - 46,160 p.a. + benefits employer: Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
Contact Detail:
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Klebsiella Vaccine Standardisation - 46,160 p.a. + benefits
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the vaccine and immunology fields. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Klebsiella pneumoniae and current vaccine research. Be ready to discuss your experience with immunoassays and how it relates to the role. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate expert ready to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We’ve got all the resources you need to showcase your skills and experience effectively. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency!
We think you need these skills to ace Klebsiella Vaccine Standardisation - 46,160 p.a. + benefits
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Scientist in Klebsiella Vaccine Standardisation. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on practical examples related to immunology and vaccine sciences. We want to see how you've developed or applied immunoassays like ELISA, so don't hold back on the specifics!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your immunology and biochemistry knowledge. Be ready to discuss your practical experience with immunoassays like ELISA and how they relate to vaccine development. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with international partners, be prepared to share examples of your collaborative experiences. Highlight any projects where you coordinated with teams across different organisations, especially in a scientific context. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in diverse teams.
✨Communicate Complex Data Clearly
You’ll need to analyse and interpret complex scientific data, so practice explaining your findings in simple terms. Prepare to discuss how you've communicated your results in reports or presentations before. This will help the interviewers see that you can bridge the gap between technical details and broader public health objectives.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about specific techniques and platforms, especially multiplex immunoassays like Luminex. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have. If you’re keen to learn more about these platforms, express that enthusiasm during the interview!
