Scientist, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

Job Title

Principal Scientist, Viral Vaccines

South Mimms, Hertfordshire – full‑time, permanent.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves public health by regulating medicines and medical devices. Within MHRA’s Science & Research group, the Research & Development (R&D) sub‑group leads innovation in biological medicines, diagnostics, vaccines and advanced therapies.

As part of the Viral Vaccine (R&D) team you will design and lead projects to develop robust assays and reference materials that support vaccine performance assessments. You will contribute to global programmes in partnership with WHO, CEPI and academia, and will lead new research initiatives to advance viral vaccine science.

• Lead and manage viral vaccine R&D projects, including production of reference materials to support evaluation of vaccine immunogenicity and potency.
• Develop, validate and implement assays ensuring delivery under quality‑management systems and compliance with regulatory and scientific standards.
• Establish an independent, innovative research programme in viral vaccine science, providing strategic scientific leadership.
• Represent the organisation to global stakeholders such as CEPI, WHO, regulatory labs and academia through expert advice, collaboration, training, publications and presentations.

• PhD in Virology or a related subject with demonstrable experience in leading virology or vaccine research.
• Broad technical skills in molecular and cellular biology, pathogen work at BSL‑2/CL3, including serological and infectivity assays.
• Experience designing and delivering multi‑stakeholder projects.
• Strong organisational skills, managing multiple concurrent projects under a quality‑management system.
• Excellent communication: scientific report writing, clear presentations and peer‑review journal publications.

Method of assessment: Application (A), Test (T), Interview (I), Presentation (P)

Behaviour Criteria

• Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
• Leadership (I)
• Delivering at Pace (A, I)

Experience Criteria

• Lead, design and conduct research in relevant areas (A)
• Successfully deliver multi‑stakeholder projects (A)
• Analyse complex data sets and produce clear reports (A)
• Work with a quality‑management system (A)
• Experience with high‑consequence viruses and vaccine development or evaluation (A, I)
• Innovation in scientific research, independent thought and rigorous analysis for new projects (I, P)

Technical Criteria

• PhD or equivalent, with significant experience in virus research and biological standardisation (A)
• Advanced understanding of public‑health needs for viruses and vaccines (A, I)
• Broad knowledge of technical assays for potency, harmonisation and product standards (A, I)
• Extensive experience with viruses at BSL‑3, understanding of safe containment measures (A, I)
• Highly skilled in technical assays for a range of pathogens and vaccines (A, I)

Strengths Criteria

• Adaptable (I)
• Team Leader (I)

Closing date: 1 St March 2026
Shortlisting: from 9 Th March 2026
Interview: from 16 Th March 2026

Applications are assessed using the Civil Service Success Profiles. The process includes an online application, a presentation and an interview covering behaviour, experience, technical and strengths profiles.

Contact the MHRA Recruitment Team with questions or for disability‑related adjustments:

All applicants must pass disclosure and barring security checks, including animal‑rights and pro‑life activism checks, and may be subject to annual occupational health reviews.

The MHRA regulates medicines and medical devices to safeguard public health. The agency employs around 1,300 staff across the UK and abroad, operating within Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance, and Scientific Research & Innovation.