Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis - £60,778 p.a. + benefits

Job summary

We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist (NMR) – Molecular Analysis to join our Research & Development 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.

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.

Analytical and Biological Sciences (ABS) is a multi-laboratory, multi-disciplinary team of experts within R&D. Both in vitro and in vivo methods are used to deliver practical laboratory analysis, experimentation and expertise aligned the Agency objectives.

The Molecular Analysis group within ABS is the focal point for the expertise that delivers on the Agency requirements for practical and theoretical work / advice relating to advanced technological solutions for the molecular level characterisation of medicines and reference materials as well as an enabler of the Agency regulatory research programme. The team is comprised of recognised experts in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry as well as capabilities in gas-chromatography, circular dichroism and fluorimetry.

Job description

What’s the role?

The role will provide scientific direction and specialist knowledge in a team of scientists who will manage and deliver prioritised R&D projects, as well as aiding cross South Mimms Laboratory and cross-agency activities, relating to molecular analysis through NMR and other specialist physicochemical/biophysics techniques. The activities will underpin the analytical capabilities to support novel biological standards development and the independent control testing of biological medicines, where appropriate. The role will design activities to adhere to the requirements of the MHRA quality control system and relevant ISO standards, where necessary, employing technical best practices.

The role holder will use their experience and specialist knowledge to lead on the delivery of the regulatory research portfolio and of grant and contract projects secured both within the Function and the wider Agency.

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. The post holder may represent S&R within the Agency and at a national and international level via attendance / presentation at scientific conferences or workshops, to ensure current understanding of relevant technical developments and product R&D.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide senior scientific expertise for the regulatory science research programme in analytical sciences in general and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy specifically, to ensure timely delivery of projects.

• Initiate and lead research projects and actively communicate findings through publication of work, and delivery of scientific presentations in relevant fora.

• Act as NMR Laboratory Supervisor to review and approve technical reports and

• batches of vaccine polysaccharides that will be released for supply to UK patients or other markets and work closely with colleagues across SR&I to ensure that the Agency fulfils its independent batch testing function safeguarding supply of medicines to patients.

• characterisation and quantitative of reference materials and the associated metrology framework.

• Collaborate with colleagues in the Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing functions of the SR&I Group and British Pharmacopoeia of the Healthcare Quality and Access group, to provide expert scientific advice and practical support for the timely production of physical standards and optimal control testing for biological medicines and related materials. Also, work with colleagues in Quality Assurance to ensure that projects are compliant with relevant quality management systems, as dictated by end-user project requirements.

• Act as an expert scientific mentor and supervisor for other colleagues, visiting workers, trainees or PhD students as required as well as facilitate learning and knowledge sharing across the agency.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Technical - Advanced technological knowledge and experience in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, including awareness of technological advances and the use of quantitative-NMR to assign purity and/or unitage to relevant materials.

• Technical - Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of and practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques used to characterise and analyse biomolecules.

• Experience - Experience of working within and implementing Quality Systems, demonstratable understanding of the need for and the principles that govern Quality Management.

• Behaviour - Managing a Quality Service - Deliver a high-quality service by considering a broad range of methods for delivery of projects. Ensure full consideration of new technologies. Proactively manage risks and identify solutions. Establish how the business area compares to industry best practice.

• Behaviour - Working Together - Fostering and leading a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration between stakeholders.

Person specification

Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Managing a Quality Service (A, I)

• Working Together (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Track record of projects leading to peer-reviewed publications and/or other scientific outputs (A, I)

• Experience of managing the demands of multiple stakeholders whilst delivering bio-analytical projects aligned to the objectives of Molecular Analysis (A, I)

• Demonstrable experience in delivering projects focused on at least one of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography, circular dichroism, fluorimetry (A, I, P)

• Experience of working within and implementing Quality Systems, demonstrable understanding of the need for and the principles that govern Quality Management (A, I)

Technical Criteria:

• A science degree with a significant analytical biochemistry component plus a PhD, or equivalent experience, in a wide variety of advanced analytical techniques applicable to biomolecules (A, I, P)

• Advanced technological knowledge and experience in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), including awareness of technological advances (A, I, P)

• Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of and practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques used to characterise and analyse biomolecules (A, I, P)

Strengths Criteria

• Networker (I)

• Organiser (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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Benefits

Alongside your salary of £60,778, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £17,607 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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 five months full pay/five months half pay
• 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 the Civil Service Motoring Association (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

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 Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of and practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques used to characterise and analyse biomolecules.

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: 9th February

Shortlisting date: from 16th February

Interview date: from 2nd March

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.

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 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