At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to innovate in formulation science and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Company: Be part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, enhancing public health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to impact millions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
- Why this job: Work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of biological medicines.
- Qualifications: Experience in biological materials and lab environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Scientist to join our Research and Development Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 31st August 2027. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
Who are we? 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. MHRA Scientific Research and Innovation (SR&I) impacts public health by delivering world-leading research innovation via an ambitious science strategy, which balances innovation against sustainability and affordability. SR&I is divided into 6 groups: Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research & Development (R&D), Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety. The R&D group deliver statutory mandated, regulatory scientific research that is applied primarily to: biological reference materials, biological medicines control testing, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation.
Within R&D, the Analytical and Biological Sciences (ABS) Division is responsible for providing scientific expertise aligned with MHRA objectives and laboratory analysis across specialist, multi-disciplinary teams, including: Formulation Science, Next-Generation Sequencing & Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Molecular Analysis, and Biological Analysis. The Formulation Science team, where this role is based, is integral to the development of stable and reproducible biological reference materials. The team works on:
- Developing robust freeze-drying (lyophilisation) techniques to ensure the long-term stability of biological reference materials.
- Innovative materials chemistry, excipients, and stabilisation approaches for complex biological medicines, including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, gene and cell therapies.
- Supporting regulatory science through formulation advancements and process analytical technologies (PAT).
- Ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, to maintain the highest quality standards.
What’s the role? The Scientist will have hands-on responsibility for delivering work related to the InSPIREmed project (Integrated Spectroscopy and Photonics for Increased Productivity and Resource Efficiency in Medicines Manufacture), funded through Innovate UK’s Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Programme (SMMIP). InSPIREmed brings together a consortium of world-leading organisations to develop a new generation of high-performance, integrated photonic PAT systems.
Key responsibilities:
- Scientific Project Delivery
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Laboratory Management & Quality
Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will have:
- Experience in biological materials handling and/or formulation, ideally including freeze-drying (lyophilisation).
- Competence in working within controlled lab environments (e.g. microbiological safety cabinets, aseptic techniques).
- Ability to maintain accurate, compliant laboratory records in line with ALCOA principles.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
- Ability to support compliant, well-organised laboratory operations, including consumables management and resource planning.
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
- Working Together (A, I)
- Delivering at Pace (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
- Areas related to the development/production of biological medicines and/or biological reference materials (A, I)
- Analytical characterisation of liquid and solid-state biological medicines and/or reference materials (A, I)
Technical Criteria:
- A Bachelors Degree in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience and theoretical knowledge (A, I)
- Experience in working in a scientific laboratory and health and safety requirements. Practical skills in performing methods for the manipulation of biologic samples and their analysis (A, I)
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
Closing date: 2 August 2026
Shortlisting date: from 6 August 2026
Interview date: from 17 August 2026
Scientist, Formulation Science 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 the heart of Canary Wharf, London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the agency provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration with leading experts in healthcare and research. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while the agency's focus on innovation and public health ensures that employees contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the well-being of millions.
Contact Details:
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist, Formulation Science
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist, Formulation Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to drive research projects forward.
