Public Health and Prevention Research Lead
| Posting date: | 09 August 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £53,116 to £57,114 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Leeds: £53,116; London: £57,114 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 23 August 2024 |
| Location: | London |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 365119/2 |
Summary
With an annual budget of £1.5 billion, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the research funding arm of DHSC and supports the improvement of the health and wealth of the nation through research and is managed by the Science, Research and Evidence Directorate (SRE). SRE supports the Secretary of State for Health, Ministers and Senior Officials in DHSC and its ALBs by commissioning and managing leading edge research to inform national policy decisions across the health, care and public health systems and a programme of global health research in Lower and Middle-Income Countries.
The Health Improvement Research team in SRE is responsible for delivering a wide ranging, high-profile public health and prevention research portfolio, which includes such areas as: drugs and alcohol, tobacco and vaping, healthy weight, mental health and violence and abuse. We also have a strategic role in driving forward the commitments and ambitions for preventative public health research as set out in Best Research for Best Health and supporting DHSC's Areas of Research Interest focused on 'Early action to prevent poor health outcomes'. In doing so we are increasing our focus on tackling health inequalities and the social determinants of health.
This is a new post to help us to accelerate our strategic public health and prevention research work across SRE and the NIHR and supporting ministers to achieve a "prevention revolution". As a team, we have a strong values-led culture: empowering and supporting each other to deliver outcomes that matter, and we look forward to welcoming a new member of staff to work with us.
The role provides an exciting opportunity to work with senior stakeholders in the health and care research system to drive forward work on public health and prevention research. The role will support strategic activities, helping to deliver Government and NIHR commitments to ensure that research informs and influences DHSC and wider stakeholders to improve the health of the public.
A fundamental element of the role will be to engage and strengthen links with key stakeholders across central and local government and with research funders, academia, and wider stakeholders such as patient and public contributors. As such, we are looking for a self-motivated individual who thrives in demanding but highly collaborative environments, building networks across with a diverse range of people and organisations. This new post would suit an enthusiastic individual who can rapidly develop strong relationships and work across organisational boundaries to address strategic issues.
The role offers ample opportunity to build knowledge and experience in programme and project oversight as well as insight into the policy/academic research interface. By nature, public health and prevention research spans a vast range of subjects, for example early diagnosis and appropriate intervention for people at increased risk of poor health (in particular obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, mental health and cancer) to prevent excess deaths, improve population health (including the health of the working age population), reduce disparities and decrease reliance on health and social care. The post holder will have an overarching strategic role, coordinating across SRE, NIHR and external funders as well as taking responsibility for developing expertise in some specific topics, developing their policy research skills and knowledge with support from a G6 section manager and colleagues within the Health Improvement Team.
A background in social/science and health research is crucial, alongside confident decision-making and communication skills to enable you to deliver at pace to manage the competing priorities of this fast paced and high-profile role.
If there is more than one suitable candidate a merit list will be held and those listed will be considered for any other relevant vacancies as there may be opportunities in other teams.