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- Tasks: Lead innovative research on viral vaccines and develop cutting-edge evaluation methods.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, enhancing global health through science.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health by developing safe and effective vaccines.
- Qualifications: PhD in Virology or related field with experience in vaccine research.
- Other info: Collaborate with global partners like WHO and CEPI in a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 68000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist, Viral Vaccines to join our Research & Development Function within the Science & Research group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. 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 through world-leading research and innovation to support clinical trials and availability of novel medicines. It comprises 4 sub-Groups: Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Health & Safety and Quality Assurance. The Research and Development (R&D) group delivers an internationally leading programme that supports development of and access to novel biological medicines, biological standards, diagnostics, vaccines, biotherapeutics and advanced therapy medicinal products.
Job Description
This is a permanent position within the Viral Vaccine (R&D) group, to support vaccines and therapeutics development and evaluation, by developing biological reference materials and robust assays to assess vaccine performance with a focus on priority viral families and pandemic preparedness. The role brings opportunities to lead new research initiatives, contribute to global programmes, and collaborate with partners including World Health Organization (WHO), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and academia. Ideal for someone who can combine scientific expertise with strategic vision and strong stakeholder engagement.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and manage viral vaccine R&D projects to support the development of safe and effective vaccines, including the production of reference materials to facilitate the evaluation of vaccine immunogenicity and potency.
- Develop, validate and implement assays to support vaccine evaluation, ensuring all work is delivered under appropriate quality management systems and meets regulatory and scientific standards.
- Develop an independent and innovative research programme in viral vaccine science, providing strategic scientific leadership and contributing to the advancement of new approaches and technologies.
- Represent the organisation and engage with global stakeholders—including CEPI, WHO, regulatory labs and academia—through expert advice, collaboration, training, scientific publications, and presentations.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will have:
- A PhD in Virology or related subject with demonstrable experience in leading relevant research in virology and/or vaccines.
- Broad technical skills in molecular and cellular biology working with pathogens at containment level 2, and ideally CL3, including serological and infectivity assays.
- Experience in leading, designing and conducting and successfully delivering multi stakeholder projects.
- Adaptability and organisational skills working multiple concurrent projects and priorities under quality management system.
- Excellent communication skills, with a strong track record in scientific report writing, delivering clear presentations, and contributing to publications in peer reviewed journals.
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria
- Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
- Leadership (I)
- Delivering at Pace (A, I)
Experience Criteria
- Experience in leading, designing and conducting research and development in relevant areas (A)
- Experience of successfully delivering multi-stakeholder projects (A)
- Excellent ability to analyse complex data sets and generate clear written reports (A)
- Experience working with a quality management system (A)
- Experience of working with pathogens, preferably high consequence viruses, and have been involved in any stage of vaccine development or evaluation (A, I)
- Demonstrable aptitude for innovation in scientific research; in scope, direction and technical approaches. Independence of thought together with rigorous analytic skills when new projects and changes of research direction are required (I, P)
Technical Criteria
- A PhD or equivalent (e.g. MSc and relevant experience) together with significant experience in leading relevant virus research and biological standardisation (A)
- Advanced understanding of public health needs pertaining to viruses / viral disease / vaccines (A, I)
- Broad knowledge of the technical field in which viruses and viral vaccines may be assessed such as potency assessment, harmonisation of tests and product standards, including awareness of technological advances that may influence the above (A, I)
- Extensive experience of working with viruses at ACDP HG2, and ideally ACDP HG3, and an excellent understanding of the control measures & regulations underpinning the safe working at such biological containment levels (A, I)
- Highly skilled in technical assays used for assessing a wide range of pathogens and vaccines including cell-based assays such as authentic viruses or alternative systems (PV, VLP), serological methods, molecular techniques for cloning, diagnostics, pathogen characterisation (e.g. sequencing) (A, I)
Strengths Criteria
- Adaptable (I)
- Team Leader (I)
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification.
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Principal Scientist, Viral Vaccines - 60,778 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 Principal Scientist, Viral Vaccines - 60,778 p.a. + benefits
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the virology and vaccine 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 scientific knowledge and current trends in viral vaccines. Practice articulating your past research experiences and how they align with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your work, including publications, presentations, and any projects you've led. This will not only impress interviewers but also give them a tangible sense of your contributions to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities that match your skills and interests. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist, Viral Vaccines - 60,778 p.a. + benefits
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Principal Scientist role. Highlight your experience in virology and vaccine research, and show how your skills align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your past projects and successes in leading multi-stakeholder initiatives. This will help us understand your impact and how you can lead new research initiatives at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in virology and vaccine development. Be prepared to discuss your PhD work and any relevant projects you've led. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading R&D projects, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multi-stakeholder projects. Highlight your adaptability and organisational skills, as these are crucial for juggling multiple priorities.
✨Engage with Global Stakeholders
Familiarise yourself with organisations like WHO and CEPI. If you have experience collaborating with global partners, share those stories. It demonstrates your ability to engage effectively with key stakeholders in the field.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Whether it's during your presentation or answering questions, strong communication skills are essential. Prepare to discuss your publications and how they contribute to the field.