Scientist Cell and Protein Production South Mimms 2024

We are currently looking for a Scientist, Cell and Protein Production to join our Advances Therapies Team within the Scientific Research & Innovation group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a 12-month fixed term contract basis. The role will be 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.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 4 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 8 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

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 Scientific 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 Advanced Therapies Team in the R&D function of the SR&I group comprises a multi-disciplinary team of internationally respected scientists whose focus is on the regulatory research required to ensure safe and effective Advanced Therapy medicines are available to patients.

What’s the role?

The role will cover two main areas; i) support for the production of next generation antibody reference reagents using recombinant antibody technologies and ii) the production of cells for supply to vaccine manufacturers and for internal R&D, standards and medicine testing purposes. In addition, the post-holder will also be expected to support other research activities in the wider Division, where appropriate.

Key responsibilities:

• Create, maintain, and characterise cell banks for the external supply of cells for vaccine manufacturing and for internal projects within the Scientific Research and Innovation Group.
• Use state-of-the-art protein expression systems and recombinant antibody technologies to produce and characterise monoclonal antibody and nanobody reference reagents.
• Work flexibly across multiple projects within the Divisional scientific programme, working both independently and collaboratively, and to agreed project timelines.
• Support the ongoing work of other scientists within the facility, through document management, equipment servicing and general laboratory housekeeping.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will:

• MSc in a relevant biological science or BSc with minimum 1 year relevant laboratory experience, for example Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Virology, Biological Science, Biomedical Science or Biochemistry.
• Practical experience in cell culture and a range of molecular and cell biology techniques and knowledge of good laboratory practice, for example, ELISA, qPCR and Western blotting.
• Precise – You are detail-focussed, you ensure everything is accurate and error free
• Team Player - You work well as part of a team and strive to ensure the team pulls together and is effective
• Delivering at Pace – Excellent organisational skills and ability to plan work to optimise time management and output across multiple projects.

The selection process

• Online application form, including including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles and a statement of suitability, attached as a PDF demonstrating how you meet the person specification. 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. Please ensure not to include any personal identifying information on your supporting information.
• Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
• 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 application questions and statement of suitability provided. You can view the criteria for this role in the job description.

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