Person Specification

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

Ability Criteria

• Ability to critically analyse clinical/scientific information from a range of sources including clinical trials and observational studies. (A,I,T)
• Ability to make independent decisions on the benefit-risk balance of medicines, supported by a clear rationale. (A,I,T)

Behaviour Criteria

• Managing a Quality Service (A,I)
• Delivering at Pace (A,I)
• Communication and Influencing (A,I)

Experience Criteria

• Clinical, academic or pharmaceutical medicine experience, including evidence of analysis of complex data, decision-making, and preparation of comprehensive, authoritative reports, scientific publications or regulatory submissions (A,I)
• Excellent verbal and written presentation skills appropriate to the target audience including evidence of communication with patients and other members of the public, and expert medical groups and committees. (A,I)
• Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate team-working/team-leading, consulting and co-operating with colleagues from different disciplines and with variable degrees of expertise. (A,I)

Technical Criteria

• Degree in Medicine and with a relevant postgraduate qualification within specialist area.
• Registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and holding a licence to practise or eligible and willing to obtain/reactivate a licence to practise upon joining the Agency (A)
• Evidence of an up-to-date specialist level knowledge and experience in one or more relevant scientific areas. Experience in the field of immunology or oncology would be advantageous, but other specialist clinical areas also welcome. (A,I)
• Good knowledge of relevant regulations applicable the licensing of medicinal products (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: Clinical, academic or pharmaceutical medicine experience, including evidence of analysis of complex data, decision-making, and preparation of comprehensive, authoritative reports, scientific publications or regulatory submissions

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 careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Important Dates

• Closing date: 23rd July 2026
• Shortlisting date: from 1st August 2026
• Interview date: from 1st September 2026

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

Candidate Requirements

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.

Role Requirements

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