Higher Scientist - Vaccines - £36,395 p.a. + benefits

South Mimms, Hertfordshire

Job Summary

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

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. 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.

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 regulatory proposition for patients and users 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. Within R&D sits the Vaccines team of around 60 scientists in 8 Research groups.

What’s the role?

The post holder will be an integral part of a specialised sub-team within the Vaccines team working on toxins and respiratory bacterial vaccines, reporting to the principal scientist for TB research. The primary responsibility will be facilitating and contributing to tuberculosis research, involving work at containment levels 2 & 3 and assisting in the external grant-funded project. The role encompasses in vitro and in vivo animal models, focusing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains. The post holder will play a key role in the ongoing research strategy, contributing to understanding TB vaccine protective responses, mucosal vaccination strategies for lung immunity and studying pulmonary/extrapulmonary TB pathogenesis.

The work requires effective communication skills, organisation of multiple projects concurrently, and adept time management. The post holder may also represent research at national and international meetings/conferences or workshops through presentation/poster and to stay abreast of current advancements in relevant technologies.

Job Description

Tuberculosis research

Supporting the tuberculosis research programme focused on vaccine development, immunological assessment, vaccinology and, assist in managing grant-funded project.

General Maintenance And Containment Procurement:

Effectively engage in the smooth running of containment levels 2 & 3 on the day-to-day basis with the team.

Communication, organisation and time management

Foster effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders, as required and driven by requirements of ongoing research projects. Clearly articulate research findings, project updates, and collaborate with diverse teams to achieve project milestones.

Health and safety (H&S)

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental H&S requirements within containment levels 2 & 3. Stay informed about safety protocols and ensure compliance with established regulations.

Person specification

Our Successful Candidate Will Have:

• A degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrable good knowledge of and practical experience in cellular immunoassays
• Demonstrated experience working at the Containment Level III and ideally with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Experience of managing and processing large complex data sets and maintaining databases of information

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

Alongside your salary of £36,395, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £10,543 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 here. 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

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.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

Closing date: 12 May 2025

Shortlisting date: W/C 5 May 2025

Interview date: 2 or 3 June 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

Job Contact :

• Name : Bhagwati Khatri
• Email : bhagwati.khatri@mhra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : careers@mhra.gov.uk

Contact for applicants

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk