Senior Scientist, Microbiome-£41,185 p.a. + benefits London, England
Job description
We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist-Microbiome to join our Diagnostics Science Team within the Scientific Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a 12-months fixed term contract/internal move or temporary promotion 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. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 4 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 8 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. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.
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 Scientific 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
The Microbiome groups sits under Diagnostics Science, Research and Innovation and conducts research on the microbiome, its therapeutic potential, and its limitations, which contributes to the MHRA’s statutory functions in protecting public health. We lead an extensive standardization program, working with the community to generate World Health Organization reference reagents that will harmonise the microbiome field and support reproducibility and good scientific practice. The group is involved in many international initiatives and is at the forefront of microbiome research and innovation.
What’s the role?
The post holder will lead microbiome research and standardisation projects to improve public health and enable translational research. This requires microbiome specific knowledge and experience, the ability to carry out effective engagement with key stakeholders and collaborations within the Agency and externally. The output of this work will be novel standards and scientific publications, and the post holder will have the chance to work with leading scientists from across the world through international collaborative projects.
Key responsibilities:
- Initiate and lead microbiome research and standardisation projects both internally and externally. Lead the development and the production of microbiome standards and support team members on the production of whole cell standards.
- Analyse microbiome data, perform statistical analysis and display and convey data in a clear and accessible way.
- Demonstrate excellent microbiology and molecular biology skills related to microbiome research, including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, handling of hard-to-grow anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, and preparation of samples for NGS.
- Engage with various stakeholders and communicate work of the group effectively and with clarity at national and international meetings. Initiate and lead collaborations.
- Mentoring of PhD students, engage, support, provide honest and kind feedback as well as expertise.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will:
- Have excellent understanding of the scientific principles underpinning microbiome research and the current limitations of the field.
- Be experienced in analysing and interpreting data to make effective decisions relating to project direction with the ability to effectively communicate the data to stakeholders.
- Have excellent microbiology and molecular biology skills related to the microbiome research, including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, handling of hard-to-grow anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, preparation of samples for NGS.
- Be able to work independently and in collaboration with other teams, with excellent organisation and management skills.
- PhD on microbiome or equivalent experience is required. Experience in bioinformatics analysis is desirable but not essential.
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
If you have some questions about this role and you would like to have a chat before to apply, please contact with the Hiring Manager Chrysi Sergaki [email protected]
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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.
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 competencies for this role in the job description.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Closing date: 28/05/2023
Interview date: 12/06/2023
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [email protected]
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Mira Mepa, Head of Recruitment and Operations, [email protected].
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
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