Higher Scientist, Molecular assays and immunochemistry - £37,456 p.a. + benefits

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; Potters Bar; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency overseeing health products in the UK is offering a full-time lab-based position requiring a qualification in a relevant field and experience in immunoassays. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day resources while ensuring compliance with quality standards. Responsibilities include data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and driving strategic objectives within the Immunochemistry team. This role supports a collaborative working environment with opportunities for flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, increasing with service

Occupational sick pay

Flexible working arrangements

Interest-free loans

Access to employee assistance services

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field, including experience in immunoassays.
• Broad lab experience in HPLC, cell-based assays, molecular techniques.
• Experience in quality management systems (ISO17025 or similar).

Responsibilities

• Respond to and assist with day‑to‑day resource planning.
• Develop and perform analytical techniques, including ELISA assays.
• Be accountable to the Immunochemistry Team Lead for timely testing.
• Analyse data and support resolutions for product lifecycle.
• Engage with national and international stakeholders.
• Manage implementation and delivery of strategic objectives.

Skills

Experience in immunoassays (ELISAs, immunodiffusion)

Laboratory Information Management System skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

Collaboration and communication skills

Education

Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Tools

HPLC

Biochemical techniques

Cell-based assays

Job description

Overview

This is a full‑time opportunity on a permanent basis. The role will be lab‑based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. The post can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Flexible working requests are welcome – discuss with the hiring manager before accepting an appointment.

Responsibilities

• Respond to and assist with the planning and managing of day‑to‑day resources to meet relevant agency KPIs.
• Develop and perform accurately and with attention to detail a range of analytical techniques, including ELISA‑based assays and immunodiffusion, primarily in the Immunochemistry assays team.
• Be accountable to the Immunochemistry Team Lead and ensure timely delivery of testing of biological medicines compliant with ISO17025 and other quality standards, monitored through audits.
• Analyse data, identify issues and support resolutions, providing advice to colleagues across the Agency to support the product lifecycle, including product research, biological standardisation, regulatory decisions and adverse event investigations.
• Engage with national and international external stakeholders, including other National Control Laboratories, WHO, EDQM and academic institutes.
• Manage the day‑to‑day implementation and delivery of strategic objectives of the Control Testing function, including process improvement and changes in working practices.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, including experience in immunoassays (ELISAs, immunodiffusion).
• Broad laboratory experience in other areas (HPLC, cell‑based assays, molecular or biochemical techniques) desirable for the analysis of biological medicines, including vaccines and blood‑derived products.
• Experience of working accurately and precisely with attention to detail, within a quality management system (ISO17025 or similar).
• Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System for accurate data capture, data analysis and review is desirable.
• Demonstrable ability to collaborate and communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, within and across teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability and a focus on team priorities to deliver timely results whilst also delivering change to achieve strategic objectives.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 30 days.
• Privilege leave: 1 day.
• Hours of work: 37 hours net per week for full‑time staff.
• Occupational sick pay: One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising up to five months.
• Flexibility: Flexible working to 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 Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA) and a variety of staff and Civil Service clubs.

Application

Please complete the online application form, including questions based on behaviour, experience, technical and strengths success profiles. All application questions must be completed in full; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligibility

• 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).
• 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.

Security & Background Checks

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.

EEO Statement

Equitable opportunity accessible to all candidates meeting the minimum selection criteria. The role is advertised by merit on a fair and open competition basis and is open to applicants of all backgrounds and characteristics.