MHRA Graduate Scheme London 2023

Are you a graduate looking to join an ambitious, innovative organisation and a key partner at the centre of the UK’s health system? Are you a bright, academically rigorous individual with high standards, motivated by making a tangible difference to public health and patients' lives? If so, this is the Graduate Scheme for you.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a 36-month fixed term contract basis, starting in September 2023. Scheme participants will be based in Canary Wharf or South Mimms, Hertfordshire dependent on allocated placements. A degree of hybrid and flexible working will be possible, but the extent of this will depend upon the placement.

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.

If you have had a COVID-19 vaccine or have ever taken a medicine, or used a medical device, then you have already benefitted from the MHRA’s work. Our vision is to be a truly world-leading, enabling sovereign regulator, protecting public health through excellence in regulation and science and delivering the right outcomes for patients.

What is the MHRA Graduate Scheme?

The MHRA Graduate Scheme is a three-year graduate development scheme that provides an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in protecting public health and positively influencing patient safety.

Joining a cohort of 8 graduates, you will have the opportunity to undertake several placements working closely with highly skilled multidisciplinary teams across our three core operating groups: (1) Science Research and Innovation (2) Healthcare Quality and Access (3) and Safety and Surveillance.

The scheme provides a fully financially supported study package towards a Level 7 (degree level) apprenticeship in Regulatory Affairs, with 20% of your time dedicated to this course. There is the option to convert this into an MSc qualification.

Following the scheme, you will be in a strong position to apply for more senior roles at the MHRA. Working here can also be a brilliant grounding for a career across the health sector or in the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will be dependent on the allocated placement. Throughout the duration of the scheme, you will be required to:

• Contribute to the objectives, goals and deliverables of the team hosting the placement.
• Support the delivery of MHRA processes to ensure activities are conducted in line with relevant legislation and agency policies and procedures.
• Actively participate in technical and skills training, including comprehensive on-the-job training.
• Maintain performance in modules, assessments, and exams that form part of the TOPRA Regulatory Affairs Level 7 apprenticeship, which all scheme participants will undertake (this apprenticeship can be converted into an MSc).

Who are we looking for?

• A 2:1 undergraduate degree (or an equivalent level of vocational experience) in a life sciences or biomedicine discipline.
• A demonstrable interest in public health and the life sciences.
• Applications from existing Civil Servants and external candidates are both welcomed.
• Candidates who can demonstrate high potential in line with the Civil Service Accelerated Development Model of Potential.

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our job description and person specification or visit our graduate scheme website for an overview of the kinds of roles and responsibilities you would undertake.

The Selection Process

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates. 

• Step 1: an online application form, where you will need to detail why you are applying to the scheme, how you meet the Civil Service Model of Potential and how you meet the Success Profiles Behaviours. You will also be asked to submit your CV. Remove references to your name/title; name of educational institutions; age; gender; nationality/immigration status in your statements and the CV that you upload. This means we can recruit based on your knowledge and skills, and not background, gender or ethnicity – it’s called name blind recruitment.  Please ensure all application questions are completed in full. Your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank.
• Step 2: For those that make it through the application stage, you will undertake an online pre-Recorded Interview, which may include questions based on the Behaviours, Experience, Technical and Strengths elements of the Civil Service Success Profiles.
• Step 3: For those that make it through the online interview stage, the final step will be a day long Assessment Centre. This will consist of further interviews, tests and presentations based on the Ability, Behaviour, Experience and Strengths elements of the Success Profiles. Further information will be supplied when you reach this stage.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criterion of Working Together.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as against the stated Civil Service Success Profiles criteria and the Civil Service Model of Potential. Ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact grads@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Additional Information

• Pre-Recorded Video Interviews: Friday 21st to Friday 28th April 2023
• Assessment centre dates: W/C Monday 19th June 2023

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.