Higher Scientist

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; Potters Bar; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory agency for health products is hiring a Higher Scientist for its Global Specialised Polio Laboratory. This full-time, lab-based position in Potters Bar focuses on improving detection methods for polio and non-polioviruses. Candidates should have a BSc in biological sciences and experience with laboratory procedures, including molecular assays. The role offers a hybrid working model with opportunities for international collaboration. This position is essential in advancing public health initiatives related to polio eradication.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangement

Opportunity for international collaboration

Cutting-edge lab facilities

Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory procedures and research experiments.
• Sound knowledge of biosafety regulations for CL2/3 samples.
• Ability to analyse complex data and produce reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory assays for detecting polio and non-polioviruses.
• Participate in research and international collaborations.
• Train and supervise scientific staff in lab practices.

Skills

Molecular and cell-based assays

Statistical analysis

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

BSc in biological sciences

Tools

RT-PCR

Nanopore sequencing

Job description

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.

• 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 laboratory assays to support research and development projects aimed at improving methods and analytical algorithms to detect and characterise polio and non‑polioviruses in clinical and wastewater samples using DDNS.
• Participate in international collaborations and training programs 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.
• 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.
• 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].
• Vaccination and health surveillance requirements for certain roles:
• 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.
• Qualifications:
• 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.
• Experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from experimental data, generating clear reports and presentations.
• Experience of working independently or within a team, providing scientific staff training or supervision with good time‑management and great attention to detail.
• 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.
• Skilled in molecular and cell‑based assays applicable to viral diseases including nucleic acid extraction and RT‑PCR.
• Skilled in nucleotide sequencing and sequence analysis.
• Strengths Criteria:
• Team Player (I)
• 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.

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. 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 establishing new molecular assays and reference reagents for the quality control of current and new methodologies.