Senior Scientist, Immunobiology

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners’ rules.

Overview – MHRA and Science & Research Group

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) 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 & Research Group delivers public health impact through four subgroups: Control Testing, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, and Health & Safety and Quality Assurance. The Control Testing team delivers the statutory function of independent control testing of biological medicines, including blood products and vaccines.

What’s the role?

The role will provide expert scientific direction and line management to a team of analytical scientists focused on assays used for the characterisation of biological medicines. The Immunobiology team will perform a range of analytical techniques including, but not limited to, size‑exclusion HPLC, prekallikrein activator assay, electrophoresis, agglutination and endotoxin assays. This is an exciting opportunity to apply scientific expertise and develop leadership and management skills to support the timely supply of safe and effective vaccines and blood products to patients.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure analytical assays are performed in compliance with ISO17025, including assay development, validation and troubleshooting.
• Manage the day‑to‑day implementation and delivery of improvements in patient outcomes through organisation of resources, process improvement and changes in working practice, including training and innovative assay development.
• Advise and supervise training of staff in specific assays and administration of control testing.
• Engage with stakeholders, as required by the team lead, including colleagues across the Agency and other National Control Laboratories and manufacturers to ensure quality of service and patients’ access to medicines.

Who are we looking for?

• Extensive experience of working within ISO17025 quality management system.
• Extensive experience of one or more of the laboratory methods listed in the job description.
• Extensive experience of using a LIMS.
• Ability to create a professional collaborative environment to motivate staff, be supportive and effective at managing change and implementing improvements.
• Engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, using clear communication to foster collaboration, deliver expert services, training, scientific and technical advice.

Person Specification

Method of assessment: A = Application, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Presentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Managing a Quality Service (A, I)
• Working Together (A, I)
• Delivering at Pace (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Advanced knowledge of working within ISO17025 (or other relevant) quality management systems including method validation, internal data monitoring and change control; experience as a Quality Coordinator or Internal Auditor is desirable (A, I).
• Extensive experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System; advanced or superuser level experience is desirable (A, I).
• Extensive experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets (A, I).

Technical Criteria:

• Highly skilled in one or more of the following: immunoassays (size‑exclusion HPLC, prekallikrein activator assay, electrophoresis, agglutination and endotoxin assays including problem‑solving and assay improvement) (A, I).
• A PhD in a relevant field or extensive equivalent experience, together with significant experience in the analysis of biological medicines including at least one of the following sample types: Albumins and immunoglobulin products, vaccines (A).

Strengths Criteria:

• Problem Solver (I).

Selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates. Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of A PhD in a relevant field, or equivalent experience, together with significant experience in the cell‑based analysis of biological medicines, including vaccines.

Contact and application dates:

• Closing date: 8 February 2026
• Shortlisting date: from 18 February 2026
• Interview date: from 23 February 2026
• Contact: careers@mhra.gov.uk

Successful candidates will be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

Legal and citizenship requirements:

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Security checks and vaccination requirements:

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro‑life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. Roles include laboratory‑based roles working directly with known pathogens, maintenance roles, visiting other establishments where vaccination is required and roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Additional information:

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. Reports and dispensing Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms.

Equal opportunity:

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage under‑represented groups to apply. MHRA complies with the Civil Service Equalities Code of Practice.

Contact details: Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ.