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 Manufacturing Assistant to join our Standards Lifecycle Function within the Science and Research group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 21st June 2028. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. This role is based onsite full-time.
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, world leading research and a distinctive regulatory offer for patients and service users. This is underpinned by an ambitious Science Strategy that supports the effective balance between innovation, sustainability and affordability.
What’s the role?
The Manufacturing Assistant is an AO role whole purpose is to focus on providing support to the Manufacturing team in its auxiliary functions. This involves supporting in manufacturing activities upstream and downstream of the fill and finish process. The post holder will also be expected to uphold housekeeping schedules, making up reagent and maintaining materials flow.
The aim of this role is to ensure sufficient support is available to complete support/auxiliary functions within Manufacturing. This will open up capacity in the team, allowing the department to complete more fills, meet production schedules, and maintain quality standards whilst working safely.
The post holder will assist in upstream and downstream activities of the fill and freeze dry process. Upstream activities include the washing, preparing, and sterilisation of consumables used in the filling process. Downstream activities include packing and labelling of finished product. The individual will be expected the operate machinery, and equipment involved in both upstream and downstream processes.
The post holder will also be involved in the general housekeeping of the facility. This will include reagent preparation, waste management, cleaning of cleanrooms, laundry, and upkeep of materials flow.
Key responsibilities:
Washing, preparing, and sterilisation of consumables
Partaking in fill, freeze dry, and sealing operations
Labelling and packaging of finished product
Maintenance of housekeeping schedules
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will:
Have a Level 2 qualification or equivalent e.g., GCSE in Mathematics, English and Science, similarly proven IT skills- use of MS office and the ability to learn specialist software systems for laboratory/manufacturing equipment and other systems such as document control.
Be able to work as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues to overcome challenges and collectively achieve.
Be able to work and deliver at pace, capable of meeting production schedules
Have experience of working under a quality system such as ISO9001.
Stand for prolonged periods of time (3hrs), transport large vessels, move cages / trolleys. Work in confined spaces such as the Isolator half suit and wear protective clothing and PPE such as steel toe-capped shoes, face mask, surgeon’s gloves and one-piece coveralls. Work for short periods of time in -20⁰C cold rooms.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Ability Criteria:
Stand for prolonged periods of time (3hrs), transport large vessels, move cages / trolleys (I)
Work in confined spaces such as the Isolator half suit and wear protective clothing and PPE such as steel toe-capped shoes, face mask, surgeon’s gloves and one-piece coveralls (I)
Work for short periods of time in -20⁰C cold rooms (I)
Behaviour Criteria:
Delivering at Pace (A, I)
Working Together (A, I)
Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
Experience of working in a laboratory or pharmaceutical company desirable but not mandatory (A, I)
Experience of working under a quality management system desirable but not mandatory (A, I)
Technical Criteria:
Level 2 qualification or equivalent e.g., GCSE in Mathematics, English and Science (A, I)
Proven IT skills- use of MS office and the ability to learn specialist software systems for laboratory/manufacturing equipment and other systems such as document control (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 a statement of suitability, of no more than 500 words demonstrating how you meet the person specification. 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. Please ensure not to include any personal identifying information on your supporting information.
Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
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 statement of suitability provided. You can view the criteria 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: 14th August 2026
Shortlisting date: from 21st August 2026
Interview date: from 27th 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
Civil Service Commission
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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.
