Higher Scientist, Polio Laboratory at The Medicines And Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

The MHRA is transforming. Through enabling innovation, making the right judgements of the benefits and risks of medical products and forging the right partnerships in the UK and internationally, it aims to deliver world class regulation and improved outcomes for UK patients.

We are currently looking for an experienced Higher Scientist to join our Polio Laboratory Function within the Science Research and Innovation group.

Within a week of working here, your day could look like this:

• Conduct research and development programs aimed at improving methods and analytical algorithms to detect and characterize polio and non-polio viruses from surveillance activities and strains used in vaccine production.

• Participate in international collaboration programs for the development of standardised methods and reference standards for laboratory assays.

• Analyse complex data arising from work above and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports and papers using a variety of computer software packages for publication and presentation to other scientists.

The successful candidate will have:

• a BSc in a relevant field (MSc desirable), or equivalent experience with evidence of R&D.
• Practical experience in a wide range of relevant biological laboratory techniques including virus isolation from clinical samples using cell cultures.
• Sound knowledge of biosafety regulations to work with human and animal infectious samples (HSB 2/3) and the ability to work in the physically and mentally demanding environment of a high containment facility following protocols and adhering to safe working practices.