Canary Wharf, London or South Mimms, Hertfordshire
Are you a graduate looking to join an ambitious, innovative organisation and a key partner at the centre of the UK’s health system? Are you a bright, academically rigorous individual with high standards, motivated by making a tangible difference to public health and patients' lives? If so, this is the Graduate Scheme for you.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a 36-month fixed term contract basis, starting in September 2025. Scheme participants will be based in Canary Wharf or South Mimms, Hertfordshire dependent on allocated placements. A degree of hybrid and flexible working will be possible, but the extent of this will depend upon the placement.
Who are we?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
If you have had a COVID-19 vaccine, or have ever taken a medicine, or used a medical device, then you have already benefitted from the MHRA’s work. Our vision is to be a truly world-leading, enabling sovereign regulator, protecting public health through excellence in regulation and science and delivering the right outcomes for patients.
What is the MHRA Graduate Scheme?
The MHRA Graduate Scheme is a three-year graduate development scheme that provides an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in protecting public health and positively influencing patient safety.
Joining a cohort of 8 graduates, you will have the opportunity to undertake several placements working closely with highly skilled multidisciplinary teams across our three core operating groups: (1) Science Research and Innovation (2) Healthcare Quality and Access (3) and Safety and Surveillance.
The scheme provides a fully financially supported study package towards a Level 7 (degree level) apprenticeship in Regulatory Affairs, with 20% of your time dedicated to this course. There is the option to convert this into an MSc qualification at the end of the scheme, subject to eligibility.
Following the scheme, you will be in a strong position to apply for more senior roles at the MHRA. Working here can also be a brilliant grounding for a career across the health sector or in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities will be dependent on the allocated placement. Throughout the duration of the scheme, you will be required to:
Contribute to the objectives, goals and deliverables of the team hosting the placement.
Support the delivery of MHRA processes to ensure activities are conducted in line with relevant legislation and agency policies and procedures.
Actively participate in technical and skills training, including comprehensive on-the-job training.
Maintain performance in modules, assessments, and exams that form part of the TOPRA Regulatory Affairs Level 7 apprenticeship, which all scheme participants will undertake (this apprenticeship can be converted into an MSc, subject to eligibility).
A 2:1 undergraduate degree (or an equivalent level of vocational experience) in a life sciences or biomedicine discipline.
A demonstrable interest in public health and the life sciences.
Applications from existing Civil Servants and external candidates are both welcomed.
Candidates who can demonstrate high potential in line with the Civil Service Accelerated Development Model of Potential.
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our job description and person specification or visit our graduate scheme website for an overview of the kinds of roles and responsibilities you would undertake.
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Alongside your salary of £32,617, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £9,449 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
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 contact the Resourcing Team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. 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
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