Senior Scientist (InSPIREmed)

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist (InSPIREmed) 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 30th April 2029. 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 Scientific Research and Innovation Group (SR&I) delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups: Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance, and Health & Safety.

The SR&I Research & Development (R&D) function will deliver statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing in areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines. Research and Development will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation that is currently hosted by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC). Analytical and Biological Sciences (ABS) is a multi-laboratory, multi-disciplinary team of experts within R&D. Both in vitro and in vivo methods are used to deliver practical laboratory analysis, experimentation and expertise aligned with the Agency’s objectives. The Formulation Science team not only contribute to site-wide projects but also pursue their own research areas in collaboration with industrial and academic colleagues in their respective field. Their role is to develop suitable formulations and lyophilisation processing conditions and carry out supportive research in order to facilitate the reference material program of the SR&I Group.

The Senior 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). The project brings together a consortium of world-leading organisations to develop a new generation of high-performance, integrated photonic Process Analytical Technology (PAT) systems. The Senior Scientist will be responsible for coordinating pilot- and full-scale freeze-drying runs of model materials, allowing for the development of the spectroscopic PAT, as well as performing conventional pre- and post-analysis of the freeze-dried products.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform research and development activities related to formulation, freeze drying and relevant characterisation methods of biological materials related to the goals of the InSPIREmed project.
• Provide hands-on expertise of trial formulation and freeze-drying conditions for standard biological materials related to the InSPIREmed project.
• Have understanding, and possibly experience, of PAT (preferably spectroscopic) applied to pharmaceutical products, preferably biologics.
• Analyse complex datasets, interpret results, and generate evidence to inform reagent development and assay standardisation.
• Maintain strong relationships with global collaborators.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Ability to Work Together: Engage effectively with internal and external partners, contributing to collaborative scientific outputs and fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong familiarity/understanding in areas related to the development and characterization of biological medicines.
• Experience of lyophilising biological medicines, formulation of products and optimisation of freeze-drying cycles.
• Postgraduate qualification in relevant scientific subject area, for example protein chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemical engineering.
• Ability to communicate thoughts and ideas, verbally or in writing. You simplify complexities and adapt communication so others can understand.

Person Specification:

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

Behaviour Criteria:

• Delivering at Pace (A, I)
• Working Together (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Strong familiarity/understanding in areas related to the development and characterization of biological medicines (A, I)
• Experience with Analytical characterisation, including spectroscopic, of lyophilised biological medicines (A, I)
• Experience of lyophilising biological medicines, formulation of products and optimisation of freeze-drying cycles (A, I)

Technical Criteria:

• Postgraduate qualification in relevant scientific subject area, for example protein chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemical engineering.

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The 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. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. 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 Experience with Analytical characterisation, including spectroscopic, of lyophilised biological medicines. Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided - ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications:

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Closing date: 2 August 2026

Shortlisting date: from 6 August 2026

Interview date: from 17 August 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

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. 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. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

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. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer. Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater. The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

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

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles, our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@mhra.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk info@csc.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ