At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in viral vaccine research and develop robust assays.
- Company: Join the MHRA, a key player in public health regulation.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by advancing vaccine science.
- Qualifications: PhD in Virology or related field with strong research experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Location & Working Conditions: South Mimms, Hertfordshire – full‑time, permanent.
Organisation: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves public health by regulating medicines and medical devices. Within MHRA’s Science & Research group, the Research & Development (R&D) sub‑group leads innovation in biological medicines, diagnostics, vaccines and advanced therapies.
Role Overview: As part of the Viral Vaccine (R&D) team you will design and lead projects to develop robust assays and reference materials that support vaccine performance assessments. You will contribute to global programmes in partnership with WHO, CEPI and academia, and will lead new research initiatives to advance viral vaccine science.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage viral vaccine R&D projects, including production of reference materials to support evaluation of vaccine immunogenicity and potency.
- Develop, validate and implement assays ensuring delivery under quality‑management systems and compliance with regulatory and scientific standards.
- Establish an independent, innovative research programme in viral vaccine science, providing strategic scientific leadership.
- Represent the organisation to global stakeholders such as CEPI, WHO, regulatory labs and academia through expert advice, collaboration, training, publications and presentations.
Candidate Profile:
- PhD in Virology or a related subject with demonstrable experience in leading virology or vaccine research.
- Broad technical skills in molecular and cellular biology, pathogen work at BSL‑2/CL3, including serological and infectivity assays.
- Experience designing and delivering multi‑stakeholder projects.
- Strong organisational skills, managing multiple concurrent projects under a quality‑management system.
- Excellent communication: scientific report writing, clear presentations and peer‑review journal publications.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: Application (A), Test (T), Interview (I), Presentation (P)
Behaviour Criteria:
- Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
- Leadership (I)
- Delivering at Pace (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
- Lead, design and conduct research in relevant areas (A)
- Successfully deliver multi‑stakeholder projects (A)
- Analyse complex data sets and produce clear reports (A)
- Work with a quality‑management system (A)
- Experience with high‑consequence viruses and vaccine development or evaluation (A, I)
- Innovation in scientific research, independent thought and rigorous analysis for new projects (I, P)
Technical Criteria:
- PhD or equivalent, with significant experience in virus research and biological standardisation (A)
- Advanced understanding of public‑health needs for viruses and vaccines (A, I)
- Broad knowledge of technical assays for potency, harmonisation and product standards (A, I)
- Extensive experience with viruses at BSL‑3, understanding of safe containment measures (A, I)
- Highly skilled in technical assays for a range of pathogens and vaccines (A, I)
Strengths Criteria:
- Adaptable (I)
- Team Leader (I)
Recruitment Information:
- Closing date: 1 St March 2026
- Shortlisting: from 9 Th March 2026
- Interview: from 16 Th March 2026
Applications are assessed using the Civil Service Success Profiles. The process includes an online application, a presentation and an interview covering behaviour, experience, technical and strengths profiles. Contact the MHRA Recruitment Team with questions or for disability‑related adjustments: careers@mhra.gov.uk. All applicants must pass disclosure and barring security checks, including animal‑rights and pro‑life activism checks, and may be subject to annual occupational health reviews.
About MHRA: The MHRA regulates medicines and medical devices to safeguard public health. The agency employs around 1,300 staff across the UK and abroad, operating within Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance, and Scientific Research & Innovation.
Scientist 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 you can contribute to groundbreaking research in viral vaccines. With a strong commitment to public health, MHRA fosters a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, providing employees with opportunities to engage with global stakeholders and lead impactful projects. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to advancing vaccine science and improving health outcomes worldwide.
Contact Detail:
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the viral vaccine field on LinkedIn or at conferences. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of current viral vaccine research and trends. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, like reports or presentations, to demonstrate your skills and experience. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Scientist in Viral Vaccines. We want to see how your skills and background fit into our mission at MHRA!
Showcase Your Research Experience:Don’t hold back on detailing your PhD work and any relevant projects you've led. We’re keen to see your hands-on experience with virology and vaccine research, so make it shine in your application!
Communicate Clearly:Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, just like you would in a scientific report.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 developments in viral vaccine research. Be prepared to discuss your PhD work and how it relates to the role. Familiarise yourself with the key projects and partnerships the MHRA is involved in, especially with WHO and CEPI.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading R&D projects, think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Be ready to explain how you motivate others and ensure quality management in your work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with assays and quality-management systems. Brush up on your knowledge of BSL-2/CL3 pathogen work and be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in your research.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to demonstrate excellent communication skills, so prepare to present your ideas clearly and confidently, as if you're addressing a diverse audience.
