Higher Scientist

MHRA; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health agency in the UK is seeking a Higher Scientist for its Global Specialised Polio Laboratory. This role involves laboratory work to optimize methods for detecting viruses, contributing to global health initiatives. The successful candidate will hold a BSc in biological sciences, possess solid experience in laboratory settings, and have a focus on molecular analysis. The position is full-time with opportunities for hybrid working, enhancing collaboration and innovation in virus research.

Benefits

Opportunity for international collaboration

Cutting-edge laboratory facilities

Engagement in global public health initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience implementing and developing laboratory procedures.
• Familiarity with biosafety regulations for human/animal samples.
• Practical lab experience in viral diseases and characterization.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory assays for polio and non-polio virus research.
• Coordinate day-to-day work across teams.
• Engage with stakeholders and provide expert services.

Skills

Laboratory procedures implementation

Molecular assays including RT-PCR

Data analysis and reporting

Attention to detail

Education

BSc in biological sciences or equivalent

MSc in biological sciences (desirable)

Tools

Nanopore sequencing

Molecular analysis software

Job description

Your application will autosave every few seconds so if you need to come back to your draft application, please enter your email and the verification code and you can start where you left off.

Applications cannot be accessed or edited once submitted, if you require your answers for reference please keep a copy.

We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist – Global Specialised Polio Laboratory to join our Research & Development function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract/loan/temporary promotion basis until 30 November 2027. The role will be lab based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhances and improves 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 balances innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into six 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.

What’s the role?

The role is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and aims at providing science‑based guidance to the endgame strategies for the GPEI, including support for immunisation programmes as well as clinical and environmental surveillance systems for the detection of polio and non‑polio enteroviruses.

The post holder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory‑based work to improve methods and analytical algorithms to detect and characterise polio and non‑polio viruses in clinical and environmental samples by Direct Detection by Nanopore Sequencing (DDNS). These include testing wastewater concentration methods, viral RNA purifications, performing molecular assays including RT‑PCR, RT‑qPCR and next‑generation sequencing analysis of viral nucleic acid preparations from both stool and sewage samples.

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 including nanopore sequencing.

The job offers a great insight into the impact of applied research on a highly relevant global public health initiative and the possibility of international collaborations with WHO laboratories around the world. Our group is actively involved with providing training and technical assistance visits to GPLN laboratories implementing DDNS and virus isolate nanopore sequencing, offering the chance for the job holder to join and support these trips. This would provide a great opportunity for the job holder to develop a high‑profile academic career in virology focused on public health and help establish new molecular assays and reference reagents for the quality control of current and new methodologies.

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 programmes on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Perform laboratory assays to support research and development projects aimed at improving methods and analytical algorithms to detect and characterise polio and non‑polio viruses in clinical and wastewater samples using DDNS.
• Participate in international collaborations and training programmes to advance capacities and capabilities within the global poliovirus surveillance.
• Analyse 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.
• Engage with stakeholders, as required by the team lead, including colleagues across the Agency and national and international external organisations, regulatory agencies, vaccine manufacturers and academic institutes to deliver expert services, training, scientific and technical advice to support the statutory functions.

Who are we looking for?

Oursuccessful candidate will have:

• A BSc in a biological sciences subject or equivalent experience with evidence of R&D.
• Experience of implementing, developing and optimising laboratory procedures and conducting relevant 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.

Person Specification

Method of assessment

A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview

Behaviour Criteria

Working Together (A, I)

Delivering at Pace (A, I)

Experience Criteria

A BSc in a biological sciences subject (MSc desirable), or equivalent experience with evidence of R&D (A, I, T)

Experience of implementing, developing and optimising laboratory procedures and conducting research experiments with accurate record keeping and reporting on findings (A, I, T)

Practical experience in a wide range of relevant biological laboratory techniques including virus characterisation using cell culture and molecular assays with working to standard methods and SOPs (A, I, T)

Experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from experimental data, generating clear reports and presentations (A, I, T)

Experience of working independently or within a team, providing scientific staff training or supervision with good time‑management and great attention to detail (A, I, T)

Technical Criteria

Sound knowledge of biosafety regulations to work with human and animal infectious samples (CL2/3) and ability to work in the physically and mentally demanding environment of a high containment facility following protocols and adhering to safe working practices (A, I, T)

Skilled in molecular and cell‑based assays applicable to viral diseases including nucleic acid extraction and RT‑PCR (A, I, T)

Skilled in nucleotide sequencing and sequence analysis (A, I, T)

Application Process

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.

Short written test, at the beginning of the interview. Further information will be 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: Experience of implementing, developing and optimising laboratory procedures and conducting relevant research experiments with accurate record keeping and reporting on findings.

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

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

Disability Accommodations

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [e-mail] as soon as possible.

Closing date: 12 January 2026

Shortlisting date: from 19 January 2026

Interview date: from 02 February 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [e-mail].

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 [e-mail].

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 firstly contact Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition – [e-mail].

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhances and improves the health that every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The agency is made up of approximately 1300 staff working across two main centres and with peripatetic operations across the UK and abroad.

The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.