Higher Scientist

Overview

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

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

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 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.

The role

The Higher Scientist will work in the pandemic team of the Influenza Resource Centre (IRC) within the Research and Development sub-Group of the SR&I Group. The IRC is responsible for the research and development that underpins the selection of influenza candidate vaccine viruses, vaccine potency assay reagents and influenza vaccine control testing.

The post holder will be part of a team working proactively with colleagues in the Influenza Resource Centre, other areas of SR&I, the WHO GISRS network and the wider influenza community. Key activities include development, characterisation and distribution of influenza candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs), the development of influenza potency reagents and provision of data for World Health Organisation Vaccine Composition Meetings (VCMs).

The postholder will work with a wide range of influenza viruses, including those of pandemic potential. This will involve working at containment levels 2 and 3 and SAPO4 and working with animal models.

Security Clearance must be obtained for this position and requires 5 years UK residency.

Key responsibilities

• Perform a wide variety of laboratory techniques including propagation of influenza viruses on various substrates at different scales; evaluation of potency reagents to support the biological standardisation for influenza candidate vaccine viruses; there is an absolute requirement to work with embryonated avian eggs and animal-derived materials; and contribute to serological studies.

• Generate Candidate Vaccine Viruses through the use of classical reassortment and reverse genetics and perform genetic and antigenic characterization through molecular biology and serology techniques.

• Contribute to management of the laboratory; documentation (including health and safety and quality management system documentation); and laboratory equipment, and ensure stocks of reagents and consumables are maintained.

• Apply an excellent understanding of health and safety regulatory requirements relating to working with influenza and high biocontainment; deliver activities under appropriate quality, Home Office and Health and Safety governance systems where relevant; maintain professional relationships with external stakeholders to facilitate research collaborations, contract testing services and management of products.

Who are we looking for?

Oursuccessful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate clearly and engagingly, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact by sharing information as appropriate.

• Laboratory experience: Experience and knowledge of safe working in biocontainment laboratories (e.g., CL3/CL4/SAPO4).

• Virology experience: Practical experience in one or more of: mammalian and bacterial cell culture, virus propagation and titration, neutralisation assays, serological assays, or molecular biology techniques.

• Virology skills: Knowledge in propagation of viruses (preferably influenza) through avian eggs and/or cell culture and working with animal-derived materials.

• Disciplined: You follow processes, operating within set standards, rules and guidelines.

Additional information

Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria: Working Together; Communicating and Influencing; Delivering at Pace (A, I)

Experience Criteria: Laboratory experience in biocontainment; Quality experience with ISO17025-like quality management; Virology experience; Animal model experience (desirable).

Technical Criteria: Virology skills; Qualifications: a BSc in a relevant scientific discipline; Biosafety skills describing biocontainment knowledge.

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

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Selection process

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess candidates. Online application form, interview, and other assessments will be used. Ensure all questions are completed; applications are CV blind. For more information on AI usage in applications, see candidate guidance.

Closing date: 09/03/2026; Shortlisting from 12/03/2026; Interview date: 23-24/03/2026.

Contacts and additional notes

If you need disability-related adjustments at any point, please contact .

In accordance with Civil Service Recruitment Principles, selections are merit-based and open. For complaints, contact or Civil Service Commission.