Senior Scientist - Pandemic Influenza - £42,869 p.a. + benefits

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist – Pandemic Influenza to join our Vaccines team in Research & Development within the Science, Research & Innovation group.

Please note this opportunity is currently only available to those working within the Civil Service. Applications from non-Civil Servants may not be reviewed and may be rejected.

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 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. Within R&D sits the Vaccines team of around 60 scientists in 8 Research groups.

This role is an integral part of the Pandemic Influenza Team in the Vaccines Team’s Influenza Resource Centre (IRC). The IRC includes the Seasonal Influenza group, and together the two teams are responsible for the research and development that underpins the selection of influenza candidate vaccine viruses, vaccine potency assay reagents and influenza vaccine control testing. It represents an excellent opportunity to be part of a high performing team protecting the UK’s and Global Public Health.

What’s the role?

The postholder will be a laboratory supervisor supporting the management of the SAPO4 and CL3 influenza laboratories and involve handling a wide range of influenza viruses, mainly those of pandemic potential and a significant proportion of work will be at CL3 and SAPO4.

The postholder will co-ordinate and perform work in the critical area responsible for the development, characterisation, safety testing and distribution of influenza CVV’s, and processing of model systems including blood, avian eggs and animals.

Security Clearance must be obtained for this position and this has specific requirements, including 5 years of continuous UK residency.

Key responsibilities: 

·       Using an excellent understanding of the health and safety regulatory requirements relating to working with influenza at high biocontainment levels. Act as primary SAPO4 (influenza) laboratory supervisor, supporting the management SAPO4 laboratories. Working flexibly to provide additional support to the CL3 laboratories when required. Deliver activities under appropriate quality, Health and Safety, and Home Office (ASPA) requirement governance systems.

·       Perform a wide variety of laboratory techniques including: propagation of influenza viruses; evaluation of potency reagents for the biological standardisation of influenza CVV’s. There is an absolute requirement to work with embryonated avian eggs and animal-derived materials; and contribute to serological studies.

·       Generate influenza CVV’s and perform genetic, antigenic, and safety characterization through a variety of molecular biology and serology techniques. Analyse and interpret complex data sets, keeping accurate records; actively communicate findings through written reports, scientific publications and delivery of scientific presentations in relevant fora.

·       Engage with and maintain professional and productive relationships with external stakeholders (including WHO ERLs, WHO CCs, industry, academia, government departments, regulatory agencies etc.) to facilitate research collaborations, contract testing services and management of products; engage with the UK Health and Safety Executive for formal regulator safety audits.

Who are we looking for? 

Our successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria: 

·       A BSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent experience

·       Experience of laboratory supervision (desirable); experience and knowledge of safe working at CL3 biocontainment (SAPO4 experience is desirable); experience with audit and inspection under health and safety governance systems and management of outcomes is desirable;

·       Experience and good knowledge of several techniques such as: mammalian and bacterial cell culture, virus propagation and titration (preferably influenza), neutralisation assays, serological assays, or molecular biology techniques

·       Working Together: Encourage joined up team work within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders

·       Communicating and Influencing - Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact by sharing information as appropriate. 

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

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