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- Tasks: Lead a team in developing cell-based assays for biological medicines and vaccines.
- 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 patient safety and access to vital medicines.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in cell-based analysis and extensive lab method expertise.
- 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, Cell-based Assays 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.
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.
This role will provide expert scientific direction and line management to a team of analytical scientists focused on cell-based assays used for the characterisation of biological medicines to deliver the Agency’s independent control testing function. The cell-based assay team will perform a range of analytical techniques including, but not limited to, fluorometric, microscopy, foci-forming assays, Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), plaque forming and plaque reduction neutralisation 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 S&R Group.
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.
Our successful candidate will have:
- 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.
- Advanced knowledge, gained through practical experience, of working within the ISO17025 quality management systems including method validation, internal data monitoring and change control; experience as a Quality Coordinator or Internal Auditor is desirable.
- Extensive experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System; advanced or superuser level experience is desirable.
- Extensive experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets.
- Highly skilled in the growth and manipulation of primary and continuous cells (derived from human, animal etc).
- Highly skilled in one or more of the following: infectivity, plaque forming, plaque reduction neutralisation test, foci-forming assays, quantitative potency assay; FACS, microscopy.
- A PhD in a relevant field, or equivalent experience, together with significant experience in the cell-based analysis of biological medicines, including vaccines.
Senior Scientist, Cell-based assays employer: Mhra
Contact Detail:
Mhra Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist, Cell-based assays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those connections that could lead to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your expertise in cell-based assays. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Senior Scientist role. We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in public health, so don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist, Cell-based assays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with ISO17025 and cell-based assays. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've motivated teams or implemented improvements in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mhra
✨Know Your Assays
Make sure you brush up on the specific cell-based assays mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with techniques like FACS and plaque reduction neutralisation tests. Showing that you can talk confidently about these methods will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Understand ISO17025 Inside Out
Since extensive experience with ISO17025 is a must, ensure you can articulate how you've applied this quality management system in your previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've handled method validation and internal data monitoring to showcase your practical knowledge.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about times when you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. Be prepared to share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and communicated clearly with colleagues or external partners. This will highlight your ability to work within a team and manage relationships.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As this role involves line management, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've motivated a team or implemented process improvements. Highlighting your ability to create a supportive environment will resonate well with the interviewers.
