We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist to join our Standards Lifecycle Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
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 Scientific Research and Innovation Group 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.
Standards Lifecycle produce the MHRA biological reference materials. Marketed using the NIBSC brand, the Agency is a global leader in the standardisation and control of biological medicines and related diagnostic tests and is responsible for developing and producing over 90% of the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Standards in use around the world to assure the quality of these important products. The function is responsible for the WHO and other categories of Reference Materials and develops them from research and prototype materials through to completed validated protocol including manufacture and distribution.
What’s the role?
This role will deliver in a timely manner influenza reagents in collaboration with unique stakeholders, like the WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratory network. The post holder will support the influenza vaccination campaign in both hemispheres, and play a key role in the exciting transition to newly generated influenza reagents and alternative potency assays
Key responsibilities:
Support the Influenza Standards team to ensure timely delivery of reference material projects in this area. Manage the preparation of influenza reagents and coordinate large multi-laboratory studies to determine the potency value of influenza antigen reference materials.
Support the development of innovative reference materials and alternative potency assays through collaboration with experts in Vaccine Research & Development teams as appropriate and input to Control Testing where new standards and reference materials may be required.
Monitor uptake of reference materials within the Influenza Standards portfolio to ensure that projects to develop replacement materials are completed before existing products are exhausted. Monitor performance of established reference materials via ongoing stability assessment and review of feedback from internal and/or external users of materials.
Engage with national and international external stakeholders, including CEPI and WHO-ERLs, academic institutes and clients as required to further standardisation objectives, deliver expert services, training and/or scientific or technical advice as required.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will have:
Experience of analysing and interpreting complex data sets; experience of working with cell culture.
Experience of developing and performing immunological assays for characterisation of viruses / viral antigens; experience of working with influenza virus.
Experience of working under a quality management system.
Good understanding of the principles of standardisation and broad knowledge of the technical field in which influenza vaccine standards are used; a good understanding of influenza virus biology is desirable.
A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific discipline.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Working Together (A, I)
Communicating and Influencing (I)
Experience Criteria:
Experience of analysing and interpreting complex data sets; Experience of working with cell culture (A, I)
Experience of developing and performing immunological assays for characterisation of viruses / viral antigens; Experience of working with influenza virus (A, I)
Experience of working under a quality management system (A, I)
Technical Criteria:
Good understanding of the principles of standardisation and broad knowledge of the technical field in which influenza vaccine standards are used; a good understanding of influenza virus biology is desirable (A, I)
A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific discipline (A, I)
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, find out more here
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 of developing and performing immunological assays for characterisation of viruses / viral antigens; Experience of working with influenza virus.
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: 26th June 2026
Shortlisting date: from 3rd July 2026
Interview date: from 20th July 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
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About Us
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 agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.
The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.
