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- Tasks: Join our team to develop and validate detection methods for human enteroviruses in clinical and wastewater samples.
- Company: The MHRA is leading the way in innovative medical product regulation for better patient outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fixed-term contract with opportunities for impactful research and collaboration with health agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health by monitoring polio-free status and working on viral detection.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field or equivalent experience, with strong skills in molecular assays and data analysis.
- Other info: This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of the UK population.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Full time / Fixed term contract until 31 March 2029 The MHRA is transforming. Through enabling innovation, making the right judgements of the benefits and risks of medical products and forging the right partnerships in the UK and internationally, it aims to deliver world class regulation and improved outcomes for UK patients. We are currently looking for an experienced Senior Scientist to join our Global Specialised Polio Laboratory team within the Research & Development function in the Science, Research & Innovation group. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based work related to the use and further development and validation of direct detection methods for the identification and characterization of human enteroviruses in clinical and wastewater samples, particularly poliovirus as a key contribution to monitoring the polio-free status in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA). This will likely extend to the detection of additional viral targets such as SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, hepatitis A and E viruses and rotavirus as all have important public health relevance. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field or equivalent experience with evidence of R&D, experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets, including complex sequencing data from next generation sequencing, and be highly skilled in molecular assays applicable to primarily human viruses. Closing date: 11 February 2025
Senior Scientist – Polio Laboratory employer: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Contact Detail:
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist – Polio Laboratory
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience with laboratory-based work, especially in the context of human enteroviruses. Discuss any specific projects or research you've conducted that relate to poliovirus detection or similar viral targets.
✨Tip Number 2
Emphasize your skills in statistical analysis and data interpretation. Provide examples of how you've worked with large and complex data sets, particularly in relation to next generation sequencing, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your understanding of public health relevance in your application. Discuss how your work contributes to monitoring and improving health outcomes, particularly in relation to polio and other viral infections.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the field, especially those involved with the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA). Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist – Polio Laboratory
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Scientist position. Understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the specific skills needed, especially in molecular assays and statistical analysis.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your PhD or equivalent experience, particularly any R&D work related to human enteroviruses or similar viral targets. Provide specific examples of your laboratory work and any relevant projects.
Showcase Technical Skills: Detail your proficiency in molecular assays and your experience with next generation sequencing. Mention any specific techniques or technologies you have worked with that are relevant to the role.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application materials to reflect the values and goals of the MHRA. Highlight how your background aligns with their mission to improve public health outcomes and your interest in contributing to monitoring polio-free status in the UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to virology and enteroviruses. Highlight any specific methodologies you used and the outcomes of your work.
✨Demonstrate Statistical Analysis Skills
Since the role requires experience with statistical analysis, be ready to explain how you've handled large data sets in the past. Bring examples of how you've interpreted complex results and applied them to real-world scenarios.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Current Trends
Stay updated on the latest developments in polio research and other relevant viral diseases. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and innovations in the field will show your passion and commitment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to molecular assays and next-generation sequencing. Brush up on your knowledge and be ready to discuss specific techniques and their applications in detecting human viruses.
