We are currently looking for a Researcher to join our Research & Development Function within the Scientific Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 31st March 2028 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 Scientific Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique regulatory proposition for patients and users 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.
The SR&I Research & Development function will deliver statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for extant and future biological medicines. Research and Development will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biologicals, biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation that is currently hosted by the MHRA Science Campus at South Mimms. This is a statutory activity and includes international centres of excellence such as those working on polio, influenza and the UK Stem Cell Bank.
What’s the role?
The purpose of this role is to support the delivery of a programme of prioritised research pertaining to the regulation and adoption of medicines, vaccines and diagnostics focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance. The postholder will identify what regulatory activities are needed to support quality, safety, and efficacy evaluation in the regulatory evaluation of novel products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The post holder will actively engage with research partners, including academia, industry, other regulatory Agencies, and non-profit public health organisations, to deliver project objectives.
The post holder will work closely with colleagues to carry out research activities relating to the registration and adoption of novel AMR therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics and will be expected to contribute to wider Divisional activities.
Experience of working in the field of novel interventions for antimicrobial resistance and the associated challenges of bringing them to market would be desirable. Some prior knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for AMR medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics across One Health, and LMICs is desirable.
The post holder will work closely with colleagues across SR&I and other Agency groups, to provide expert advice relating to AMR products, regulation, and adoption.
Key responsibilities:
Be accountable to the Project Manager in Diagnostics and contribute to the strategic direction of the R&D undertaken in the team in response to programme priorities, with a focus on the development of novel WHO International standards. Engage with, and work collaboratively with national and international stakeholders including WHO, the global Pharmacopoeias, manufacturers, regulatory organisations and academia.
Initiate and lead on research pertaining to regulatory and access challenges pertaining to novel AMR medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics. Look for opportunities to leverage additional funding to build out the work of the team.
Represent the Agency externally, nationally, and internationally, as an expert in regulatory science pertaining to medicinal products developed to tackle AMR and provide state of the art advice to senior agency colleagues in other functions such as HQA and S&S.
Seek and drive opportunities for continued service improvement through expert services, training, and scientific and technical advice.
Analyse, interpret, and act upon research outputs generated by colleagues, keeping accurate records, to build evidence and inform design of future work; actively communicate findings through written reports, scientific publications and delivery of scientific presentations.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will have:
Experience in the development of products aimed at tackling AMR
Examples of multi-disciplinary and collaborative working
Broad knowledge of AMR-related product development, regulation, standardisation and approval
PhD in biochemistry, biology, molecular microbiology, or similar
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Working Together (A, I)
Communicating and Influencing (A)
Experience Criteria:
Experience in the development of products aimed at tackling AMR (A, I)
Examples of multi-disciplinary and collaborative working (A, I)
Technical Criteria:
Broad knowledge of AMR-related product development, regulation, standardisation and approval (A, I)
PhD in biochemistry, biology, molecular microbiology, or similar (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 Broad knowledge of AMR-related product development, regulation, standardisation and approval.
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: 4th June 2026
Shortlisting date: from 10th June 2026
Interview date: from 22nd June 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.
