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

Job summary

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.

Job description

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.

Person specification

Key responsibilities:

• Be accountable to the line manager, coordinating with other teams and colleagues across S&R functions as required, to effectively manage the work programs on a day-to-day basis.

• Perform analytical assays for e.g., nucleic acid extraction from clinical and environmental samples, concertation of environmental samples, Conventional PCR, Real-time PCR detecting poliovirus and other enteric pathogens from wastewater surveillance activities.

• Running high throughput sequencing on nanopore and Illumina systems. Bioinformatic analysis of the data produced from both long read and short read sequencing.

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

• Analyze 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.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will have the following:

• A BSc in a relevant field (MSc desirable) or equivalent experience with evidence of R&D.

• Experience of implementing, developing and optimising laboratory procedures and conducting research experiments with accurate record keeping and reporting on findings.

• Experience of working independently as well as within a team, with good time-management and great attention to detail.

• Sound knowledge of biosafety regulations to work with human and animal infectious samples (CL2/3).

• Skills in molecular and cell-based assays applicable to viral diseases and virus characterisation including nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR and sequencing.

• Experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets, generating clear reports and scientific manuscripts.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Sound knowledge of biosafety regulations to work with human and animal infectious samples (HSB 2/3) and ability to work in the demanding environment of a high containment facility following protocols and adhering to safe working practices.
• Skilled in molecular assays applicable to viral diseases including nucleic acid extraction and sequencing methods.
• Highly skilled in cell culture-based assays including virus titration.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,456, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £10,851 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays

• Privilege Leave: 1 day

• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff

• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of six months full pay and six months half pay after five years’ service.

• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service

• Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on [phone removed]

• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance

• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan

• Employee Assistance Services