"Higher Scientist"

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. We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist to join our Research & Development within the Science, Research and Innovation group.

The Higher Scientist will work in the pandemic team of the Influenza Resource Centre (IRC) within the Research and Development sub-Group of the SR&I Group. The IRC is responsible for the research and development that underpins the selection of influenza candidate vaccine viruses, vaccine potency assay reagents and influenza vaccine control testing.

The postholder will work with a wide range of influenza viruses, including those of pandemic potential: this will involve working at containment levels 2 and 3 and SAPO4 and working with animal models.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact by sharing information as appropriate.
• Laboratory experience: Experience and knowledge of safe working in biocontainment laboratories (e.g., CL3/CL4/SAPO4 experience).
• Virology experience: Practical experience in one or more of: mammalian and bacterial cell culture, virus propagation and titration, neutralisation assays, serological assays, or molecular biology techniques.
• Virology skills: Demonstrate good knowledge and skill in the propagation of viruses (preferably influenza) through avian eggs and/or cell culture and working with animal derived materials.
• Disciplined: You follow processes, operating firmly within set standards, rules and guidelines.

Closing date: 9th March 2026