Higher Scientist, Cell Based assays
Location
Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Employment TypeFull-time
Posted At4/24/2026
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Analytics are greyed out due to low classification confidence (39.0%).
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£41,700
(£21.38 per hour)
Standard minimum applies
Above analytics are generated algorithmically based on job titles and may not always be the same as the company's job classification. You can also check detailed occupation eligibility, and salary criteria on our UK Visa Eligible Occupations & Salary Thresholds page.
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Description
Job Description
We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist, Cell Based Assays to join our Control Testing Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
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 Control Testing team delivers the statutory function of independent control testing of biological medicines, including blood products and vaccines, helping to ensure patients have access to new and existing products.
What’s the role?
The post is for a laboratory-based scientist who will be part of a team of analytical scientists focused on cell-based assays used for the characterisation of biological medicines as part of the Agency’s independent batch release function. The post holder will evaluate a wide range of vaccines and blood products. They will work under the ISO17025 quality standard to perform a range of assays, including but not limited to, colorimetric, microscopy, foci-forming assays, plaque forming and plaque reduction neutralisation assays.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply technical expertise and develop knowledge of regulatory science to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective vaccines and blood products.
Key Responsibilities
We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist, Cell Based Assays to join our Control Testing Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
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 Control Testing team delivers the statutory function of independent control testing of biological medicines, including blood products and vaccines, helping to ensure patients have access to new and existing products.
What’s the role?
The post is for a laboratory-based scientist who will be part of a team of analytical scientists focused on cell-based assays used for the characterisation of biological medicines as part of the Agency’s independent batch release function. The post holder will evaluate a wide range of vaccines and blood products. They will work under the ISO17025 quality standard to perform a range of assays, including but not limited to, colorimetric, microscopy, foci-forming assays, plaque forming and plaque reduction neutralisation assays.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply technical expertise and develop knowledge of regulatory science to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective vaccines and blood products.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform analytical assays in compliance with ISO17025, including assay development, validation, and troubleshooting.
- Coordinate with the scientists within the Control Testing teams to ensure the timetable of analysis and documentation of samples supplied for laboratory testing and data entry into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is achieved.
Our Successful Candidate Will Have
- Experience of working in a laboratory.
- Experience of one or more of the laboratory methods listed in the job description.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- Good planning and time management skills.
- Ability of working accurately and with attention to detail.
Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview
Behaviour Criteria
- Working Together (A, I)
- Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
- Experience of working accurately and precisely with an attention to detail typically achieved through working within ISO17025 quality management system, or similar, with experience of method validation, data management and monitoring, and data checks, entry and review (A, I)
- Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System, with an understanding of statistical packages to analyse and present data and a good understanding of the use of a LIMS software package for accurate data capture, data analysis and review (A, I)
- Expertise in the growth and manipulation of primary and continuous calls (derived from human, animal, etc) (A, I)
- Experience in one or more of the following: infectivity assays, plaque forming, plaque reduction neutralisation test, foci-forming assays (FFA), quantitative potency assay (QPA), microscopy (A, I)
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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 competency-based 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
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our
candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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: 10 th May 2026
Shortlisting date: from 15 th May 2026
Interview date: from 1 st June 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 .
Role
Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:
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 .
Individu
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: 10 th May 2026
Shortlisting date: from 15 th May 2026
Interview date: from 1 st June 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 .
Role
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.
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 .
Individu
als 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 .
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, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@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
info@csc.gov.uk
Civil Service Commission
Room G/8
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
About Us
ABOUT US
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 agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.
The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.
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 .
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, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@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
info@csc.gov.uk
Civil Service Commission
Room G/8
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
About Us
ABOUT US
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 agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.
The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.