Scientist Gene Therapy

Higher Scientist – Gene Therapy

Full‑time fixed‑term contract until 16 February 2027. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances the health of millions of people through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices. Our Research and Development function is part of the Science Campus and delivers regulatory scientific research focused on the development and distribution of biological reference materials.

The role supports the functioning of the materials production facility and focuses on the production and distribution of pre‑existing and novel gene therapy international standards. Activities include assay development, master cell bank production, batch production and quality control. Projects centre on viral vectors, with particular emphasis on adeno‑associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus. The scientist will also support other research activities within the gene therapy group and wider division.

Experience with genome editing techniques is desirable.

• Manage and maintain the day‑to‑day operation of the material production facility.
• Create, maintain and characterise master cell banks for the generation of novel or pre‑existing gene therapy standards.
• Plan, design and support assay development and characterisation of new or existing methods for producing gene therapy standards.
• Work flexibly across multiple projects within the divisional scientific programme, both independently and collaboratively, meeting agreed timelines.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, maintain high‑standard records, present data at group and departmental levels, and contribute to reports and manuscripts for peer review as required.

• MSc in a relevant biological science or BSc with at least 1 year of relevant laboratory experience (e.g. Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Virology, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry).
• Practical experience with molecular and cell biology techniques and knowledge of good laboratory practice (e.g. mammalian cell culture, ELISA, qPCR, Western blotting).
• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to plan work and deliver at pace across multiple projects.
• Experience or interest in gene therapy research, standardisation and medicines control.
• Proven experience working at containment level‑2 and a strong understanding of safe handling of cell types and viral vectors.
• Excellent analytical skills, interpreting and presenting data using appropriate software.
• Team player, precise, and an effective organiser.

• Behaviour:
  Delivering at Pace, Working Together, Communicating and Influencing.
• Technical: MSc or BSc with relevant experience, practical skills in molecular and cell biology techniques, good laboratory practice, experience with viral vectors, and an understanding of containment level‑2 procedures.
• Strengths:
  Precise, Team Player, Organiser.