Higher Scientist - Vaccines - £34,841 p.a. + benefits
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- Scientific
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- SCI0KX Requisition #
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- 2 days ago Post Date
We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist - Vaccines to join our Research & Development team 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.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
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.
What’s the role?
The role will support the delivery of regulatory science research programmes relating to encapsulated bacteria and polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. This will include development of new assays used for the characterisation and evaluation of vaccines and assisting other team members with day-to-day management of resources, to achieve shared outcomes to meet relevant agency objectives.
Key responsibilities:
1. Perform a wide variety of laboratory techniques, with a focus on analytical chemistry and chromatography techniques, ensuring adherence to relevant health and safety policies and quality system requirements as appropriate
2. Work closely with product manufacturers and colleagues across SR&I to ensure that the Agency fulfils its independent batch testing function safeguarding supply of medicines to patients
3. Maintain professional and productive relationships with external stakeholders (including industry, academia, government departments, regulatory agencies and non-profit philanthropic organisations) to facilitate research collaborations, contract testing services and management of products
4. Analyse and interpret complex data sets, keeping accurate records, to build evidence and inform design of future experiments; actively communicate findings through written reports, scientific publications and delivery of scientific presentations
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria:
1. Practical experience in one or more of: analytical chemistry techniques, chromatography and immunological assays
2. A BSc degree in chemistry or relevant scientific discipline
3. Good analytical and data management skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets
4. Hands-on analytical methods used for the characterisation of polysaccharides conjugate vaccines and vaccines against diseases caused by encapsulated bacteria
5. Working Together: Encourage joined up team work within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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The selection process:
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.
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 answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.
Use of AI in Job Applications
Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Closing date: 8th October 2024
Shortlisting date: 14th October 2024
Interview date: W/C 28th October 2024
Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk
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. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
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 careers@mhra.gov.uk.
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Mira Mepa, Head of Recruitment and Operations, Mira.Mepa@mhra.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
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