(Stem) Cell Production Scientist Potters Bar, England
Job description
We are currently looking for a (Stem) Cell Production Scientist to join our Research and Development function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. This role is primarily based at our South Mimms site with occasional remote working a possibility, dependent upon the nature of the role. Not all roles will be suitable for remote working. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
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.
Research and Development hosts and nurtures the current excellence in research into biologicals, biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation. This is a statutory activity and includes international centres of excellence such as those working on polio, influenza and the UK Stem Cell Bank. The Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Team in the R&D function of the SR&I group comprises a multi-disciplinary team of internationally respected scientists whose focus is on the regulatory research required to ensure safe and effective Advanced Therapy medicines are available to patients.
What’s the role?
The successful candidate will be involved with the banking, characterisation, safety testing and QC of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) under the Human Tissues Authority (HTA) for the UKSCB, which is the sole repository for hESC lines derived in the UK. Support the R&D function of the Biotherapeutics and Advanced therapies division by participating in ongoing projects in development of reference materials and assays for cell-based therapies. Deliver on internal and external cell supply under the ISO 9001 quality system.
Key responsibilities:
- Carry out banking and quality control testing of human embryonic stem cells, according to UKSCB standard operating procedures and ensuring HTA compliance when required.
- Carry out banking and quality control testing of mammalian cell lines for internal and external cell supply, according to existing standard operating procedures and ensuring ISO 9001 compliance.
- Carry out research work, within the scope of ongoing projects.
- Maintain laboratories and cleanrooms to the required standards. Participate in routine maintenance, validation studies and cleaning of facilities and monitor and maintain liquid nitrogen levels in the storage refrigerators. Prepare cell culture media and specialist reagents, carry-out stock control procedures, maintain batch records.
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate will have a BSc in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience. You will have experience with HES cells and other mammalian cell lines. You will have experience or be interested in standardisation and medicine control. You will have knowledge of HTA / working under a quality management system. You will demonstrate the ability to be focussed and have attention to detail.
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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The selection process:
We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.
- Application – please answer all the application questions, ensuring that you provide evidence of how you meet the Technical, Behaviour and Experience Criteria in the job description. 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.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Closing date: 17/05/2023
Interview Date: 06-08/2023
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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