Higher Scientist - £37,456-£42,084 p.a. + benefits

Job summary

We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist to join our Vaccines Function within the Science Research and Innovation group.

This is a full-time opportunity on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

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, 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.

This role will work within the WHO Global Specialised Polio Laboratory within the Research and Development function of the SR&I Group.

The MHRA Polio group is a world leading laboratory, with both WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and WHO Global Specialised Polio Laboratory Network status and is a key partner in the WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). We conduct research, control, and reference standardisation work of global public health importance in the field of vaccines and surveillance.

Job description

What’s the role?

The role is funded by PATH and aims at providing science-based guidance to the endgame strategies for the GPEI including support for immunisation programs as well as clinical and environmental surveillance systems. The group is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and you will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge virology and molecular biology technologies.

The post holder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based work to improve methods and analytical algorithms to detect and characterize polio and novel oral polio viruses in clinical samples by Long read sequencing using Nanopore technology and short read sequencing using illumina systems. These include performing molecular assays including RT-PCR, RT-qPCR and next generation sequencing analysis of viral nucleic acid preparations from stool followed by bioinformatic analysis and single nucleotide variant calling from each sample.

The post holder will also be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based work related to the use and further development and validation of viral Internal process control (IPCs) material. The Post holder will perform spiking experiments and test these IPCs for fit for purpose testing. The post holder will also contribute towards the long-term objective of the group to develop strategies for multi-pathogen detection in wastewater samples to help the early detection of human pathogens and contribute to pandemic preparedness.

There is a requirement for excellent coordination and communication with teams in the R&D function as well as across Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing, as necessary to support analytical requirements for these statutory functions.

Person specification

Key responsibilities:

• Be accountable to the line manager, coordinating with other teams and colleagues across S&R functions as required, to effectively manage the work programs on a day-to-day basis.

• Perform analytical assays for e.g., nucleic acid extraction from clinical and environmental samples, concertation of environmental samples, Conventional PCR, Real-time PCR detecting poliovirus and other enteric pathogens from wastewater surveillance activities.

• Running high throughput sequencing on nanopore and Illumina systems. Bioinformatic analysis of the data produced from both long read and short read sequencing.

• Participate in international collaboration programs for the development of standardized methods and reference standards for laboratory assays.

• Analyze complex data arising from work above and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports and papers using a variety of computer software packages for publication and presentation to other scientists.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will have the following:

• A BSc in a relevant field (MSc desirable) or equivalent experience with evidence of R&D.

• Experience of implementing, developing and optimising laboratory procedures and conducting research experiments with accurate record keeping and reporting on findings.

• Experience of working independently as well as within a team, with good time-management and great attention to detail.

• Sound knowledge of biosafety regulations to work with human and animal infectious samples (CL2/3).

• Skills in molecular and cell-based assays applicable to viral diseases and virus characterisation including nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR and sequencing.

• Experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets, generating clear reports and scientific manuscripts.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Sound knowledge of biosafety regulations to work with human and animal infectious samples (HSB 2/3) and ability to work in the demanding environment of a high containment facility following protocols and adhering to safe working practices.
• Skilled in molecular assays applicable to viral diseases including nucleic acid extraction and sequencing methods.
• Highly skilled in cell culture-based assays including virus titration.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,456, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £10,851 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays

• Privilege Leave: 1 day

• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff

• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of six months full pay and six months half pay after five years’ service.

• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service

• Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666

• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance

• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan

• Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund

• Eligibility to join Motoring , Boundless by CSMA

• Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs

• On-going learning and development

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

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.

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: 25 September 2026

Shortlisting date: from 29 September 2026

Interview date: from 5 October 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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : The Resourcing Team
• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Further information

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, you should contact the Resourcing team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - info@csc.gov.uk - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ

Attachments

2038 Higher Scientist JD Opens in new window (pdf, 234kB)