At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects in molecular analysis using NMR and other advanced techniques.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, a leader in scientific regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by ensuring the quality of biological medicines.
- Qualifications: Advanced knowledge in NMR spectroscopy and experience in laboratory techniques required.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for mentoring and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) invites applications for the Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis. This full‐time, permanent position is based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire and is part of the Scientific Research and Innovation (SR&I) Research & Development function.
The role will provide scientific direction and specialist knowledge on a team of scientists managing and delivering prioritised R&D projects related to molecular analysis through NMR and other physicochemical/biophysics techniques, underpinning the analytical capabilities to support novel biological standards development and independent control testing of biological medicines.
Key Responsibilities- Provide senior scientific expertise for the regulatory science research programme in analytical sciences and NMR spectroscopy, ensuring timely delivery of projects.
- Initiate and lead research projects and actively communicate findings through publication and scientific presentations.
- Act as NMR laboratory supervisor, reviewing and approving technical reports and batches of vaccine polysaccharides for release.
- Characterise and quantify reference materials, developing the associated metrology framework.
- Collaborate with the Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and British Pharmacopoeia functions to provide expert scientific advice and support for the timely production of physical standards and optimal control testing for biological medicines.
- Ensure projects comply with relevant quality management systems and ISO standards.
- Act as an expert scientific mentor and supervisor for colleagues, trainees, and PhD students, facilitating learning and knowledge sharing across the agency.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
- Advanced technological knowledge and experience in NMR spectroscopy, including quantitative‐NMR for purity and unitage assignment.
- Outstanding knowledge and practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques used to characterise and analyse biomolecules.
- Experience working within and implementing Quality Systems, with a clear understanding of the principles of quality management.
- Strong organisational skills to manage quality delivery of projects and proactively manage risks.
- Ability to foster collaboration and share knowledge with stakeholders.
- Managing a quality service (Application, Interview)
- Working together (Application, Interview)
- Track record of chromatographic projects leading to peer‐reviewed publications (Application, Interview).
- Experience managing demands of multiple stakeholders while delivering bio‐analytical projects (Application, Interview).
- Demonstrable experience in delivering projects focused on NMR spectroscopy, gas chromatography, circular dichroism or fluorimetry (Application, Interview, Presentation).
- Experience implementing Quality Systems with a full understanding of quality management principles (Application, Interview).
- Advanced knowledge of NMR and awareness of technological advances (Application, Interview, Presentation).
- Outstanding practical experience in a range of laboratory techniques used to characterise and analyse biomolecules (Application, Interview, Presentation).
Please read our Job Description and Person Specification for full details. For questions, email careers@mhra.gov.uk.
Selection Process- Online application form – complete all behavioural, experience and technical success profile questions.
- Presentation – prepared as part of the interview.
- Interview – may include behavioural, experience, technical and strengths questions.
Closing date: 9th February
Shortlisting date: 16th February
Interview date: 2nd March
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check, animal rights and pro‐life activism checks, and an internal fraud database check. All applicants are subject to UK immigration and Civil Service nationality rules. Certain roles may require vaccinations or health surveillance. If you require adjustment during the process, contact careers@mhra.gov.uk. Applicants are encouraged to read the Civil Service Commission guidelines for complaints or concerns regarding the recruitment process.
The MHRA is the UK’s scientific regulatory agency that regulates medicines and medical devices through science and research. The agency has around staff, operating from two main centres and across the UK and abroad.
Relevant contact email: careers@mhra.gov.uk
Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis in London 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 Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of NMR and molecular analysis. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your experience with NMR spectroscopy and other relevant techniques confidently. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Bring along examples of your previous work, especially those related to NMR and analytical sciences. We love seeing tangible evidence of your skills, so prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the field of regulatory science. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with NMR spectroscopy and other relevant techniques. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the questions, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Showcase Your Projects: Don’t forget to mention any significant projects you've led or contributed to, especially those related to bio-analytical work. We love seeing a track record of success, so share those peer-reviewed publications and project outcomes!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
✨Know Your NMR Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your NMR spectroscopy knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with quantitative-NMR and how it applies to purity and unitage assignment. This is a key area for the role, so showcasing your expertise will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience managing multiple stakeholders and delivering bio-analytical projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate your organisational skills and how you've successfully navigated challenges in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to quality management systems and laboratory techniques. Brush up on your understanding of ISO standards and be ready to explain how you've implemented quality systems in your previous roles.
✨Engage and Collaborate
This role requires collaboration with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've fostered teamwork in the past. Share examples of how you've mentored colleagues or facilitated knowledge sharing, as this will highlight your ability to work well with others.