Scientist - Molecular Analysis - £31,064 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 Science, Research and Innovation Group 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.
Working in the Control Testing Function, the role will provide scientific support as part of a team of analytical scientists focused on molecular assays used for the evaluation of biological medicines as part of independent batch release. There is a requirement for excellent coordination and communication with all teams in the Control Testing function as well as in the Research & Development (R&D) and Biological Standardisation functions to support analytical requirements for the Agency., The role primarily facilitates the independent control testing of biological medicines, including blood products and vaccines, helping to ensure patients have access to new and existing products. However, the role will work with colleagues across the Agency to provide specialist scientific and analytical expertise to support product related activities such as R&D, biological standardisation, clinical trials and product approval, independent medicines testing and adverse event investigations. Responsible for responding to and assisting with the planning and managing of day-to-day resource to achieve outcomes to meet relevant agency Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The role will be responsible for accurate data entry and review in support of product testing.
The Molecular Analysis team will perform a range of assays with a range of read-outs including, but not limited to, platform-based adventitious agent detection; PCR, q(RT)-PCR and nucleic acid sequencing., + Perform analytical tests in compliance with ISO17025.
+ Manage day-to-day registration (logging) of samples supplied for laboratory testing and data entry into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
+ Maintain laboratory stocks of reagents and consumables.
+ Responsible for equipment records., 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.
+ Test, there will be a practical pipetting assessment included as part of the interview if you reach this stage.
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
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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).

+ Experience of working in a laboratory.
+ Experience of one or more of the laboratory methods listed in the job description.
+ Excellent team working and communication skills.
+ Good planning and time management skills.
+ Ability of working accurately and with attention to detail., 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 £31,064, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £8,999 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