Higher Scientist - Gonococcal assays

• Locations Bacteriology Division - SM - Delivery
• Contract Type Fixed Term
• Shortlisting Date 12th May 2026
• Interview Date w/c 18 May 2026

What's the role?

This is an 18 month fixed term project funded by the Gates Foundation (GF). The project is a collaboration between MHRA and UKHSA. Gonococcal outer membrane vesicles will be produced at industrial scale by UKHSA. These samples will then be analysed using proteomic approaches to characterise their protein composition by mass spectrometry, and to develop a multiplex IgG binding immunoassay at MHRA.

Key responsibilities:

• Assay development and immunological evaluation: develop, optimise and apply serological assays (multiplex Luminex and ELISA) to evaluate human sera from recipients of gonococcal OMV based vaccines.
• Microbiological culture and OMV production: culture Neisseria species (primarily Neisseria gonorrhoeae), including isolation, purification and quality assessment of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs).
• Analytical and proteomic characterisation: perform proteomic analyses to define OMV composition and support vaccine related research and development activities.
• Scientific collaboration, reporting and data presentation: maintain accurate records, contribute to reports, collaborate with internal teams and external partners (UKHSA and GF), and present data at internal and external meetings.

Who are we looking for?

Successful candidate will demonstrate the following.

• Technical background and expertise - a degree (or equivalent experience) in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, or a related life science, with practical experience in bacterial culture - ideally including Neisseria species and/or vaccine related research.
• Analytical and data management skills - good analytical and data management skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Understanding of vaccine development and serological assays - knowledge of vaccine development and serological assays used in evaluation of post immunisation serum.
• Hands on laboratory skills with immunoassays and working with CL2 pathogen - demonstrated experience in laboratory techniques such as ELISA and Luminex, and experience working with CL2 pathogens.
• Experience running immunological, functional or cell based assays - practical experience that can be used to evaluate vaccine induced response. Experience of assay qualification and validation is desirable.
• Decision making and communication skills - ability to analyse, interpret and critically evaluate experimental data, and present clear, robust conclusions to support scientific decision making.
• Collaborative working - confidence in working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, and presenting scientific data at meetings and conferences to both specialist and non specialist audiences.

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.