Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in analysing biological medicines and improving patient outcomes.
- Company: Join the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, enhancing public health daily.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by ensuring safe vaccines and blood products.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in immunobiology and extensive lab method expertise required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and quality improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist, Immunobiology to join our Control Testing Function within the Science and Research group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
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. The Science and Research Group delivers public health impact through four subgroups: Control Testing, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, and Health & Safety and Quality Assurance, working together to ensure quality, drive innovation, and improve health outcomes. The Control Testing team delivers the statutory function of independent control testing of biological medicines, including blood products and vaccines, helping to ensure patients have access to new and existing products.
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 to deliver the Agency's independent control testing function. 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. The postholder will also contribute to the strategic planning for the Control Testing function within the Science and Research Group.
Key responsibilities
- Ensure analytical assays are performed in compliance with ISO*****, 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 ISO***** 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, gained through practical experience, of working within the ISO***** (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)
Closing date 8 Feb ****
Senior Scientist, Immunobiology in England employer: Mhra
Contact Detail:
Mhra Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist, Immunobiology in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of ISO quality management systems and the specific laboratory methods mentioned in the job description. We want to show that we’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine our answers. Let’s focus on how our experience aligns with the responsibilities of managing a team and improving patient outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at the Control Testing Function.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist, Immunobiology in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in immunobiology and ISO quality management systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves specific laboratory methods, be sure to detail your experience with techniques like size-exclusion HPLC and endotoxin assays. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As a Senior Scientist, you’ll be managing a team, so it’s important to showcase any previous leadership roles or experiences. Talk about how you’ve motivated teams and implemented improvements in past positions – we love to see that collaborative spirit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mhra
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of immunobiology and the specific analytical techniques mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss your experience with size-exclusion HPLC, electrophoresis, and other assays in detail. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves line management, think about examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or managed projects. Highlight how you motivated your team, implemented changes, and improved processes. This will demonstrate your ability to create a collaborative environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your clear communication fostered collaboration. This is crucial for the role, so showing that you can effectively liaise with colleagues and external partners will set you apart.
✨Understand Quality Management Systems
Familiarise yourself with ISO quality management systems, especially if you have experience as a Quality Coordinator or Internal Auditor. Be ready to talk about how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and any improvements you've made in quality assurance processes.
