Scientist - Cell Therapy - £32,617 p.a. + benefits

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. 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 MHRA Science and Research Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique regulatory proposition for patients and users via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 4 sub-Groups, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.
Within the Research and Development sup-group, the Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division delivers a programme of regulatory research and standards development to support the clinical development of innovative medicines. These include Advanced Therapies Medicinal Products (ATMPs), such as cell and gene therapy products, monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapies and protein-based biotherapeutics.
What’s the role?
The scientist will be a key member of the Cell Therapies team, contributing to a range of research, standardisation and operational activities. Areas of interest include the development of reference reagents for mesenchymal stromal cell and pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies, and the implementation of automated, scale-up cell culture solutions to deliver clinical benefits., + Delivery on cell therapies research and standardisation projects, following agreed objectives.
+ Cell culture, cell banking and quality control testing of human and animal cell lines, mesenchymal stem cells, and pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives, following project plans and standard operating procedures.
+ Performing and optimising analytical and functional assays.
+ Maintaining accurate and detailed records of laboratory activities.
+ Writing and reviewing quality documentation, including standard operating procedures, COSHH and risk assessments, and contributing to health and safety inspections., 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 ‘Experience in completing research project(s), gathering and analysing data and delivering meaningful scientific interpretation’.
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 criteria 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
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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).

+ Degree level education in a field relevant to cell therapies, preferably with related postgraduate laboratory experience.
+ Interest in and knowledge of cell-based advanced therapies and the scientific and regulatory challenges in this field.
+ Proficiency in cell culture and aseptic technique.
+ Experience in completing research project(s), gathering and analysing data and delivering meaningful scientific interpretation.
+ Experience in molecular and cell biology techniques, such as microscopy, flow cytometry and qPCR., 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 £32,617, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £9,449 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