Description We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist – Global Specialised Polio Laboratory to join our Research & Development team within the Science, Research & Innovation group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a grant funded fixed term contract/internal move or temporary promotion basis until 31 March 2029. The role will be lab 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. The successful candidate will work in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Specialised Polio Laboratory within the Research and Development team of the SR&I Group. The Polio Group at MHRA South Mimms conducts research, control, and reference standardization work of high global public health importance in the field of vaccines and surveillance and is a key partner in the WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Our laboratory has access to unique collections of poliovirus strains and poliovirus reagents such as monoclonal antibodies and in vitro and in vivo laboratory assays. The Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and you will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge virology and molecular biology technologies including next generation sequencing. What’s the role? The post holder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based work related to the use and further development and validation of direct detection methods for the identification and characterization of human enteroviruses in clinical and wastewater samples, particularly poliovirus as a key contribution to monitoring the polio-free status in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA). This will likely extend to the detection of additional viral targets such as SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, hepatitis A and E viruses and rotavirus as all have important public health relevance. Key responsibilities: Be accountable to the Head of the Global Specialised Polio Laboratory coordinating with other teams and colleagues across SRI functions as required, to effectively manage the work programmes on a day-to-day basis. To lead research and development programs aimed at improving methods and analytical algorithms to detect and characterize polio and non-polio enteroviruses, as well as other viruses associated with human disease such as SARS-CoV-2, from surveillance activities with a special focus on direct detection and next generation sequencing analysis of viral genomes using Illumina and Nanopore technology including the use and development of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of viral sequences generated from surveillance activities. Coordinate R&D programs such as understanding long-term virus infection in immunodeficient patients as well as the identification of anti-viral compounds to eliminate virus replication from patients suffering from enterovirus-associated neurological disease. Apply an excellent understanding of the health and safety regulatory requirements as relating to working with viruses including, but not limited to, polio and non-polio enteroviruses; deliver activities under appropriate quality, Home Office and Health and Safety governance systems where relevant. Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will have: A PhD in a relevant field, or equivalent experience with evidence of Research & Development Experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets, including complex sequencing data from next generation sequencing, generating clear reports and scientific manuscripts Advanced skills in molecular assays applicable to primarily human viruses Excellent understanding of bioinformatics analysis of nucleic acid sequences using both command line and specialised software If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careersmhra.gov.uk 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. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of ‘ Experience with statistical analysis and interpreting results derived from large complex data sets, including complex sequencing data from next generation sequencing, generating clear reports and scientific manuscripts’. 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 Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careersmhra.gov.uk as soon as possible. Closing date: 11 th February 2025 Shortlisting date: 19 th February 2025 Interview date: W/C 3 rd March 2025 Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome. If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careersmhra.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. 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. Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careersmhra.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, you should firstly contact Mira Mepa, Head of Recruitment and Operations, Mira.Mepamhra.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk infocsc.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ