At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative NMR research projects and mentor a team of scientists.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), a leader in scientific regulation.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on scientific excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by advancing molecular analysis techniques.
- Qualifications: Advanced knowledge in NMR spectroscopy and experience in quality management systems.
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.
Who We Are Looking For
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.
Person Specification
Method of assessment: A = Application, I = Interview, P = Presentation.
Behaviour Criteria
- Managing a quality service (Application, Interview)
- Working together (Application, Interview)
Experience Criteria
- 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).
Technical Criteria
- 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).
Contact Information
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.
Additional Information
- 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.
About MHRA
The MHRA is the UK’s scientific regulatory agency that regulates medicines and medical devices through science and research. The agency has around 1,200 staff, operating from two main centres and across the UK and abroad.
Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis employer: Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, where innovation meets regulatory science. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth through mentorship and opportunities to lead impactful research projects in molecular analysis. With a commitment to quality and excellence, the MHRA supports its staff in making significant contributions to public health while fostering a supportive atmosphere for continuous learning and development.
Contact Details:
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at MHRA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into NMR spectroscopy and related techniques. We should be ready to discuss our past projects and how they align with the responsibilities of the Principal Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our presentation skills! Since the interview includes a presentation, let’s rehearse explaining complex scientific concepts clearly and confidently. This will help us stand out as a strong communicator.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight our relevant experience in quality management and analytical sciences.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis
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!
Showcase Your Projects:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects you've led or contributed to, especially those that resulted in peer-reviewed publications. We love seeing tangible results and how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key in scientific communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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 straightforward!
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 ready to discuss your experience with quantitative-NMR and how it relates to purity and unitage assignment. Prepare to share specific examples of projects you've worked on that highlight your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing multiple stakeholders and delivering bio-analytical projects, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and any strategies you've used to manage risks effectively.
✨Demonstrate Quality Management Experience
Familiarise yourself with quality management principles and be ready to talk about your experience implementing Quality Systems. Think of concrete examples where you ensured compliance with relevant standards and how that impacted project outcomes.
✨Engage and Collaborate
This position requires collaboration across various functions, so be prepared to discuss how you've fostered teamwork in previous roles. Share instances where you’ve mentored colleagues or facilitated knowledge sharing, as this will show your ability to work well with others.
