We are currently looking for a Scientist 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 30th April 2029 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 SR&I Research & Development (R&D) 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 future biological medicines. Research and Development will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation.
What’s the role?
The postholder will lead and support scientific and analytical work for the development of WHO international polysaccharide standards and of reference reagents. The postholder will use a multidisciplinary approach that involves using cutting-edge physico-chemical analysis techniques such as various HPLC approaches, NMR and more traditional ELISA methods. This role includes supporting and helping maintain collaborations with international stakeholders that include industry, academia, philanthropic organisations, and government bodies.
Key responsibilities:
Lead the research activities for the preparation, characterisation and calibration of the GBS 1st WHO international polysaccharide standards.
Prepare and characterise GBS polysaccharide-conjugate reference reagent (capsular polysaccharides conjugated to poly-L-Lysine or biotin, for use in immunoassays for anti-GBS antibodies quantification.
Develop and optimise immunoassays (e.g., ELISA and bead-based multiplex platforms).
Design and organise international collaborative studies to evaluate and calibrate reference standards, working with academic, industrial, philanthropic, and regulatory partners.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will demonstrate:
Ability to communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
High degree knowledge and hands-on experience in a wide range of analytical chemistry assays relevant to polysaccharides and conjugate vaccines.
An understanding of the principles for reference standards preparation.
A PhD degree in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field or experience.
Evidence of publishing scientific research in peer-reviewed journals, or equivalent experience.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Working Together (A, I)
Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
High degree knowledge and hands-on experience in a wide range of analytical chemistry assays relevant to polysaccharides and conjugate vaccines ( A, I, P)
An understanding of the principles for reference standards preparation ( A, I, P)
High degree of knowledge and hands-on experience in the development and validation of Physico-chemical and immune assays ( A, I, P)
Technical Criteria:
A PhD degree in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field or experience (A, I)
Evidence of publishing scientific research in peer-reviewed journals, or equivalent experience (A, I)
Excellent hands-on experience in performing various chromatographic techniques such as HPLC, NMR and instrument operation and trouble shooting (A, I)
Strong analytical and data management skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets (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.
Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
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 High degree knowledge and hands-on experience in a wide range of analytical chemistry assays relevant to polysaccharides and conjugate vaccines
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: 7th June 2026
Shortlisting date: from 9th June 2026
Interview date: from 16th 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.
