Principal Scientist – Molecular Analysis - £58,983 p.a. + benefits

We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist – Molecular Analysis to join the Analytical and Biological Sciences Team within the Science, Research & Innovation group.This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term basis until 16th December 2025. 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 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 and areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines. Research and Development will host and nurture the current excellence in research into biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation.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 Molecular Analysis group within ABS is the focal point for the expertise that delivers on the Agency requirements for practical and theoretical work / advice relating to advanced technological solutions for the molecular level characterisation of medicines and reference materials as well as an enabler of the Agency regulatory research programme. The team is comprised of recognised experts in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry as well as capabilities in gas-chromatography, circular dichroism and fluorimetry.What’s the role? The role will provide scientific direction and specialist knowledge in a team of scientists who will manage and deliver prioritised R&D projects, as well as aiding cross South Mimms Laboratory and cross-agency activities,
relating to molecular analysis through NMR and other specialist physicochemical/biophysics techniques. The activities will underpin the analytical capabilities to support novel biological standards development and the independent control testing of biological medicines, where appropriate. The role will design activities to adhere to the MHRA quality control system and relevant ISO standards, where necessary, employing technical best practices., + Accountable to the Head of Molecular Analysis, provide senior scientific expertise for the regulatory science research programme in analytical sciences in general and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy specifically, to ensure timely delivery of projects.
+ Initiate and lead research projects and actively communicate findings through publication of work, and delivery of scientific presentations in relevant fora.
+ Act as NMR Laboratory Supervisor to review and approve technical reports and:
+ batches of vaccine polysaccharides that will be released for supply to UK patients or other markets and work closely with colleagues across SR&I to ensure that the Agency fulfils its independent batch testing function safeguarding supply of medicines to patients.
+ characterisation and quantitative measurement calculations and the associated metrology of reference materials.
+ Collaborate with colleagues in the Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing functions of the SR&I Group and British Pharmacopoeia of the Healthcare Quality and Access group, to provide expert scientific advice and practical support for the timely production of physical standards and optimal control testing for biological medicines and related materials.
Also, work with colleagues in Quality Assurance to ensure that projects are compliant with relevant quality management systems, as dictated by end-user project requirements., + 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., + 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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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).

Technical - A science degree with a significant analytical biochemistry component plus a PhD, or equivalent experience, in a wide variety of advanced analytical techniques applicable to biomolecules.
Technical - Advanced technological knowledge and experience in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), including awareness of technological advances. Technical - Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of and practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques used to characterise and analyse biomolecules.Experience - Experience of working within and implementing Quality Systems, demonstratable understanding of the need for and the principles that govern Quality Management. Behaviour - Managing a Quality Service - Deliver a high-quality service by considering a broad range of methods for delivery of projects. Ensure full consideration of new technologies. Proactively manage risks and identify solutions. Establish how the business area compares to industry best practice.If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!, 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 £58,983, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £17,087 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