Head of Formulation Science - £73,324 p.a. + benefits

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.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.
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 (SR&I) 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 SR&I Research & Development (R&D) function will deliver statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing in areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines. R&D will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation that is currently hosted by the MHRA Science Campus, previously known as National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC)., Analytical and Biological Sciences (ABS) is a multi-laboratory, multi-disciplinary team of experts within R&D. Both in vitro and in vivo methods are used to deliver practical laboratory analysis, experimentation and expertise aligned the Agency objectives. The Formulation Science team not only contribute to site-wide projects but also pursue their own research areas in collaboration with industrial and academic colleagues in their respective field. Their role is to develop suitable formulations and lyophilisation processing conditions and carry out supportive research in order to facilitate the reference material program of the SR&I Group.
This role is very important to our standards production and external filling contracts, and due to the small size of the team, the person who takes on this role will not only provide leadership and expert knowledge in the stabilization and formulation of biologics, focusing on research, development, and freeze-drying (lyophilization) processes, but also have a hands on approach for the role. This role encompasses managing a team, directing an internationally recognized research program, and delivering impactful service through collaboration, commercialization, and regulatory compliance., + Lead and line manage the Formulation Science Section within the ABS Division.
+ Lead research and development activities related to formulation and freeze drying of biological materials to achieve SR&I’s and the Agency’s goals.
+ Provide expert advice and subsequent implementation of trial formulation and freeze-drying conditions for all biological standards prepared at MHRA’s Science Campus requiring lyophilization.
+ Promote the MHRA’s Science Campus research work and capabilities through national/international forums as a resource/expertise in lyophilization with an expectation of publishing in peer reviewed papers and presenting at relevant national and international conferences.
+ Act as SR&I’s central point of contact with the National Measurement System, attending the UK Measurement Forum and as a delegate observer at the Professional Expert Groups of the National Physical Laboratory and National Measurement Laboratory (at LGC)., 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.
+ Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
+ 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 ‘PhD in relevant scientific subject area, protein chemistry, analytical chemistry, lyophilisation, formulation, and the characterisation of the products along with a proven track record of having held a managerial/supervisory role in a laboratory setting.’
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 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., + UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Scientific Expertise: Strong familiarity/understanding across a very broad range of scientific disciplines e.g. across haematology, biochemistry, immunology and microbiology/virology, especially in areas related to the development and characterization of biological medicines & reference materials to control them.
Delivering at Pace: Ability to lead teams effectively, set clear expectations, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality outcomes while complying with legal and regulatory standards. Demonstrates resilience and maintains performance under pressure.
Research Leadership: Proven experience in maintaining and developing research programs, securing grant funding, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrates confidence in presenting complex data to diverse audiences.
Developing Self and Others: A commitment to continuous learning and development, both personally and for the team. Supports individuals to take responsibility for their learning and ensures equal access to development opportunities.
Project and Resource Management: Experience in setting up and maintaining a laboratory environment with complex equipment, managing projects effectively, and familiarity with ISO 9001, GMP, and other regulatory guidelines. Prince 2 qualification or equivalent experience is desirable., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £73,324, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £21,241 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ 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 five months full pay/five months half pay
+ 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
+ Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
+ Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
+ Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
+ Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
+ Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
+ On-going learning and development