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- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects to develop vital reagents for vaccine assessment.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, enhancing public health through science.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a competitive salary and impactful work in healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global health by supporting vaccine development against emerging pathogens.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in Virology or related field with extensive lab experience.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist to join our Research and Development Function within the Science and Research group. This is a full‑time, 23‑month fixed term contract based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. The role is only available to UK residents.
About the Agency
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhances and improves the health of millions of people 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, supporting clinical trials and access to novel medicines. It comprises four sub‑groups: Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing, and Health & Safety and Quality Assurance.
What’s the role?
This opportunity involves developing a unique research reagent repository in line with the objectives of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). New reagents will be sourced, produced, characterised and distributed to CEPI partners as part of the CEPI Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) to support vaccine assessment against emerging pathogens.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage scientific projects in line with CEPI’s objectives, report to stakeholders and complete deliverables on time.
- Identify, source, produce and characterise new research and reference reagents to support the development, validation, control and monitoring of immunological assays used by CEPI CLN.
- Develop and optimise serological assays, including ELISA and neutralisation assays, for emerging pathogens.
- Manage the inventory of the CEPI adjuvant library and coordinate the transfer of adjuvants between partners.
- Support the team leader in maintaining ISO 9001 compliance, expand the network and promote the repository’s activities through proactive engagement with the scientific community.
Who are we looking for?
- Post‑graduate degree in Virology or a related subject with extensive experience in containment level 2 laboratories (level 3 desirable).
- Extensive technical skills in molecular and cellular biology such as cell culture, viral propagation and characterisation, ELISA, qPCR, NGS, neutralisation assays, and recombinant protein production, purification and characterisation.
- Experience managing scientific projects with excellent communication skills, a proactive attitude and the ability to liaise with collaborators of varying seniority.
- Excellent analytical skills; able to analyse data with appropriate software, and present complex data verbally and in writing (e.g., scientific publication).
- Thorough, detail‑focused, precise, with ideally experience working under a quality management system.
Application Process
Online application form covering Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Complete all questions; incomplete responses may result in the application not being considered. Interview, which may include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
Selection Criteria (interim sift)
- Postgraduate degree in virology or related discipline or equivalent experience.
- Extensive technical skills performing molecular and cellular biology experiments, including cell culture, viral propagation, ELISA, qPCR, NGS, neutralisation assays and recombinant protein production, purification and characterisation.
Key Dates
- Closing date: 27 November 2025
- Shortlisting date: 1 December 2025
- Interview date: 15 December 2025
Contact
For assistance applying for this role or any other questions, contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.
Senior Scientist 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 Senior Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to your technical skills and project management experience. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for science and research during interviews. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how your background aligns with CEPI’s objectives. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’ve got resources to help you prepare for the process, so make sure to take advantage of them!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Thorough with Your Application: Make sure to complete every section of the online application form. We want to see your full potential, so don’t leave any questions hanging – incomplete responses might mean we can’t consider you for the role!
Show Off Your Skills: Highlight your technical skills and experience in molecular and cellular biology. We’re looking for someone who can manage scientific projects and communicate effectively, so make sure to showcase these abilities in your written application.
Tailor Your Responses: When answering the Behaviour, Experience, and Technical Success Profiles, tailor your responses to reflect how your background aligns with the role. We love seeing how your unique experiences can contribute to our mission at StudySmarter!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Let your personality shine through, but ensure your application reflects the seriousness of the role and our commitment to public health.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of virology and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like ELISA and qPCR. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in a practical setting.
✨Project Management Skills
Since managing scientific projects is a key responsibility, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a project. Highlight your communication skills and how you liaised with different stakeholders to achieve project goals.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've analysed complex data in previous roles. Bring along examples of how you've used software for data analysis and be prepared to explain your findings clearly, as this will demonstrate your ability to present scientific data effectively.
✨Engage with the Community
The role involves promoting the repository’s activities through engagement with the scientific community. Think about ways you've previously networked or collaborated with others in your field, and be ready to share those experiences during the interview.
