We are currently looking for a Scientific & Procedure Advisor to join our Authorisation Lifecycle Function within the Health Quality and Access group.
We have two full-time opportunities, one on a permanent basis and one fixed term contract for a period of 12 months. Internal move, temporary promotion, loans will be considered. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas
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.
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 objective of the Healthcare Quality and Access portfolio is to drive quality and critically appraise benefits and risks to inform robust decisions on healthcare access including accelerated access pathways. It will do this by bringing together a fusion of our capabilities across both medicines and medical devices to enable authorisation and market access, as well as ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
The Authorisation Lifecycle function is an enabler, central to delivery of the frontline HQA group. It includes data assurance and quality, high-volume certification work and coordination and support to the frontline functions. It also includes some more complex activity that supports across the product lifecycle such as medicines and medical devices, borderline, patient information and medicines advertising.
What’s the role?
The post holder is required to assess the accuracy of documents and data held on internal databases to support applications following initial assessment, and also assess some variations and abridged simple applications. The post holder will also communicate with and provide advice to internal and external stakeholders, as required.
Key responsibilities:
Perform compliance assessments (checking of product information on MHRA systems) for new marketing authorisation applications.
Assessment of Regulation 56 (formerly Article 10c) marketing authorisation applications
Assessment of variations subsequent to the grant of a marketing authorisation
Work collaboratively to drive continuous improvement within the group
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will have the following:
A degree in chemistry, pharmacology or other scientific discipline, or relevant experience
A working knowledge of the documentation required to support a marketing authorisation application in the UK and Europe
Be able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, with a proven ability to clearly explain information verbally and by written communication
Good personal work organisation, attention to detail and analytical or assessment skills, including the ability to make sound decisions while working to tight deadlines
A proactive approach to problem solving in a multidisciplinary, target-orientated team.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Working Together - A proactive approach to problem solving in a multidisciplinary, target-orientated team. (A, I)
Communicating & Influencing - Be able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, with a proven ability to clearly explain information verbally and by written communication (A, I)
Making Effective Decisions - Good personal work organisation, attention to detail and analytical or assessment skills, including the ability to make sound decisions while working to tight deadlines (A, I)
Experience Criteria:
A degree in chemistry, pharmacology or other scientific discipline, or relevant experience (A)
A working knowledge of the documentation required to support a marketing authorisation/PLPI application in the UK and Europe. (A, I)
Technical Criteria:
Good information management and technology skills including the preparation and/or maintenance of Word and Adobe documents, spreadsheets and reference databases as well as high level of competence in the use of the agency’s custom Sentinel system. (A, I)
An understanding of the relevant legislation, guidance and procedures used to obtain or change a marketing authorisation (Scientific and Procedure Advisor – MA specialists), or obtain, change (variation) or renew a PLPI authorisation (Scientific and Procedure Advisor – PLPI specialist). (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.
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 Criteria.
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 guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Closing date: 24 July 2026
Shortlisting date: 31 July 2026
Interview date: 10-14 August 2026
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 .
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 [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 [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
[email protected]
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