BP Specialist

Full job description
We are currently looking for a British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Specialist 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. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. We are open to requests for flexible working. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

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 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 four sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Standards and Compliance and Innovative Devices.

The Standards & Compliance function, in which this role is, enables innovation and healthcare access across the global product lifecycle by implementing 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?

Play a unique role at the MHRA by leading the development of legally binding standards and guidance for the British Pharmacopoeia (BP).

Use your scientific expertise to manage the standard setting process from initial inception through development and publication as well as ongoing maintenance.

Work with, manage and influence BP Expert Advisory Groups, engage with the pharmaceutical industry in the preparation of draft standards and support the future development of our Pharmacopoeia and regulatory science strategies.

Key responsibilities:

To contribute and support the work of the BP Commission to develop and implement appropriate standards and policy, including leading the work to support at least two BP Expert Advisory Groups/Panels/Working Parties or equivalent activity.
To lead or assist in managing 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, or development of scientific strategy/policy.
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 work of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph Eur) Commission. To participate as a UK expert in Ph Eur working groups in the development of Ph Eur standards, as required.
Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will:

a degree in a scientific discipline relevant to pharmaceutical quality as detailed in the person specification.
experience of applying expert technical knowledge to develop quality standards for healthcare products.
strong knowledge of analytical techniques and processes used in the determination of pharmaceutical quality
experience of working in a regulated pharmaceutical 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.
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

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.

Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.

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 candidates having experience of applying expert technical knowledge to develop quality standards for healthcare products .

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

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful . Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

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: 19 th August 2025

Shortlisting date: from 20 th August 2025

Interview date: from 1 st September 2025

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

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 .

This role is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Appointments to roles within MHRA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNR). These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules . This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals

Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

Nationals of the Republic of Ireland

Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service

Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service

Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

This vacancy is also open to individuals normally exempt under the CSNR

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 .

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 .

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 Florentina Oleylami, Head of Talent Acquisition, Florentina.Oyelami@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