Higher Scientist - Formulation Science - £36,395 p.a. + benefits

This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract/temporary promotion basis. This post is grant funded and the contract is expected to last for 2 years. 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., The Science, Research and Innovation (SR&I) group delivers public health impact through world-leading research and innovation to support clinical trials and availability of novel medicines. It comprises 6 sub-Groups: Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.
Analytical and Biological Sciences is a cross functional Research & Development team, which works closely with other teams within R&D but also teams within Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing. The team provides the ability to perform high-end analytical analysis and in-vivo testing of biological medicines. Analytically, we provide NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and sequencing (NGS), statistics, formulation science.
What’s the role?
In this laboratory-based role, the postholder will contribute to cross-Departmental project teams involved in the development of biological reference standards by undertaking trial freeze drying studies, undertaking as part of the Formulation Science Team critical thermal analytical analyses of potential formulations, and delivering trial freeze-dried batches for biological characterisation and undertaking the necessary physicochemical QC testing., + Contribute to core development work for the support of freeze-drying trials, undertaken in managed teams as part of the Future vaccines manufacturing Hub programme.
+ Carry out analytical methods in support of designing cycles and assessing these products as required.
+ Undertake the routine testing FD materials by non-invasive methods for moisture and oxygen headspace content.
+ Collaborate with other internal scientists and communicate with colleagues, internal and external and Project Leaders., 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 ‘Describe your previous experience of freeze drying or formulation development of biologics’., + 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
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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).

+ A BSc in a relevant subject plus ideally MSc degree or appropriate experience in life sciences or healthcare research
+ Previous experience and understanding of freeze drying and/or formulation of biological materials and technologies used to deliver this.
+ Good working and theoretical knowledge/experience in biochemistry/analytical sciences e.g. HPLC, assay methodology
+ The ability to design experiments or investigate and troubleshoot a laboratory technique and to interrogate data to propose subsequent experimentation
+ Demonstrable understanding and previous experience of the application of Quality Management principles (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 17025) in an analytical laboratory and awareness of the application of health and safety issues in a laboratory environment, 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 the questions thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the criteria for this role in the job description.
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., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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.

Alongside your salary of £36,395, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £10,543 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