Higher Scientist - £37,456-£42,084 p.a. + benefits

We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist to join our Vaccines Function 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. 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.

This role will work within the WHO Global Specialised Polio Laboratory within the Research and Development function of the SR&I Group.

The MHRA Polio group is a world leading laboratory, with both WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and WHO Global Specialised Polio Laboratory Network status and is a key partner in the WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). We conduct research, control, and reference standardisation work of global public health importance in the field of vaccines and surveillance.

What’s the role?

The role is funded by PATH and aims at providing science-based guidance to the endgame strategies for the GPEI including support for immunisation programs as well as clinical and environmental surveillance systems. The group is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and you will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge virology and molecular biology technologies.

The post holder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based work to improve methods and analytical algorithms to detect and characterize polio and novel oral polio viruses in clinical samples by Long read sequencing using Nanopore technology and short read sequencing using illumina systems. These include performing molecular assays including RT-PCR, RT-qPCR and next generation sequencing analysis of viral nucleic acid preparations from stool followed by bioinformatic analysis and single nucleotide variant calling from each sample.

The post holder will also be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based work related to the use and further development and validation of viral Internal process control (IPCs) material. The Post holder will perform spiking experiments and test these IPCs for fit for purpose testing. The post holder will also contribute towards the long-term objective of the group to develop strategies for multi-pathogen detection in wastewater samples to help the early detection of human pathogens and contribute to pandemic preparedness.

There is a requirement for excellent coordination and communication with teams in the R&D function as well as across Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing, as necessary to support analytical requirements for these statutory functions.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including a statement of suitability, of no more than 500 words 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.
• 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 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.

Closing date: 25 September 2026

Shortlisting date: from 29 September 2026

Interview date: from 5 October 2026

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.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

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.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.