Lead BP Scientist at Medicines and… · London

We are currently looking for a Lead British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Scientist to join our Standards and Compliance Function within the Innovation and Compliance group.

We are currently looking for a Lead British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Scientist to join our Standards and Compliance Function within the Innovation and Compliance group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 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 12 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 Innovation and Compliance Group delivers public health impact, world-leading innovation, and a unique proposition which will balance innovation with sustainability and regulatory compliance. It is divided into five sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Standards and Compliance, Innovative Devices and International Partnerships.

The Standards & Compliance function will enable innovation and healthcare access across the global product lifecycle by risk proportionate standards development and compliance through the British Pharmacopoeia and MHRA Laboratory, the Inspectorate, the Inspection Action Group and Devices Audit and Compliance

What’s the role?

The postholder will play a unique role at the MHRA developing legally binding standards and guidance for the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) that protect patients and the public by ensuring medicines quality.

You will use your scientific expertise to support the standard setting process from initial inception through development and publication, as well as ongoing maintenance.

You will work with, manage and influence external BP Expert Advisory Groups, international stakeholders and key suppliers to ensure we get the right scientific advice and service delivery.

Key responsibilities:

• To contribute and support the work of the BP Commission including working with colleagues and groups of independent experts to develop and implement appropriate standards and policy for the BP.
• To lead or assist specific scientific or delivery areas/projects to ensure or improve the standards and services that we provide to our users. For example, activities such as coordinating the work to produce the text for the BP and BP Vet, development of scientific strategy/policy and coordinating the unit’s recruitment, training and development activities
• To ensure that the interests of the BP and Laboratory Services Group are promoted strongly and positively through appropriate communication and joint working with internal and external organisations.
• To support the contract management, performance and delivery of the BP publication and laboratory services suppliers.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Degree or equivalent in Biochemistry, Biological Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy or related scientific discipline.
• Experience of applying and developing quality standards for healthcare products.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques and processes used in the determination of pharmaceutical quality.
• Experience of working in a pharmaceutical quality environment or equivalent.
• Broader awareness of trends in the life sciences, biopharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory environment and ability to assess potential impact on the work of the pharmacopoeia.

Person Specification:

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

Behaviour Criteria:

• Communicating and Influencing **(**A,I,T)
• Delivering at Pace **(**A,I,T)
• Developing self and others **(**A,I,T)
• Making effective decisions **(**A,I,T)

Experience Criteria:

• Experience of applying and developing quality standards for healthcare products **(**A,I,T)
• Experience of working in a pharmaceutical quality environment or equivalent **(**A,I,T)
• Awareness of trends in the life sciences, biopharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory environment, and the ability to assess potential impact on the work of the pharmacopoeia. **(**A,I,T)

Technical Criteria:

• Degree or equivalent in Biochemistry, Biological Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy or related scientific discipline. **(**A,I)
• A good knowledge of analytical techniques and processes used in the determination of pharmaceutical quality. **(**A,I)

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.

• 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.
• Test, further information will be supplied when you reach this stage
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of:

• Experience of applying and developing quality standards for healthcare products
• Degree or equivalent in Biochemistry, Biological Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy or related scientific discipline.

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.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidancefor more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Closing date: 9^th^ July 2026

Shortlisting date: from 13^th^ July 2026

Interview date: week commencing 27^th^ July 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

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.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

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.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

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 careers@mhra.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

info@csc.gov.uk

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ

About the Company

About Us

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 agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.

The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.