Behavioural Scientist
| Posting date: | 30 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £40,661.00 to £50,472.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £40661.00 - £50472.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 June 2025 |
| Location: | London, E14 5EA |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | K9919-25-0213 |
Summary
Your key responsibilities will include: Implement and utilise a range of research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all behavioural and social science-related activities to underpin UKHSAs capability to provide advice on environmental change and health. Work with other members of the team to identify, evaluate and adapt new research methodologies where necessary and appropriate, and to ensure that the projects operate to a high scientific standard using current methods. Use relevant methodologies to rapidly identify and synthesise relevant theory and research to provide timely response to queries with a behavioural science, environmental change and health focus. Support day to day management of engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including across UKHSA, other Government Departments, Local Authorities, Academic partners, and other relevant stakeholders. Lead and contribute to the delivery of the HPRU agreed research programme which will underpin UKHSAs capability to provide scientific advice on environmental change and health. in collaboration with the LSHTM, UCL and the Met Office Design and deliver behavioural and communication-based interventions (informed by community engagement, rapid research and appropriate theoretical approaches), to assist with the all-hazards work of UKHSA, including the management of outbreaks and other public health incidents. Lead on specific project(s) to contribute to the development, delivery, and expansion of UKHSAs research programme on climate and environmental change and health. This will involve identifying, evaluating and adapting new research methodologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods. To provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and to lead on preparation of presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site. In line with other responsibilities, perform any other tasks assigned or objectives set by the line manager commensurate with the grade. The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Essential Criteria: First Degree in the behavioural or social sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.). PhD (or related MSc and significant equivalent relevant experience) in one or more of the following areas: the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.), public health and climate change. Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis), natural experimental methodologies, and/or the use of epidemiological methods for climate change and public health. Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software). Experience in creating formal reports and scientific publications. Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships. Experience in coordinating/leading climate change and health related research Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences. Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands. Ability to demonstrate initiative and work independently with minimum supervision. Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others. Proficiency in the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods in a health research context. Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders. Experience of statistical analysis using SPSS, STATA, R or equivalent software, Microsoft Office Suite. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills. Stage 1 - Application & Sift: You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 14 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) Up to 1500-word Statement of Suitability This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essentialcriteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: PhD (or related MSc and significant equivalent relevant experience) in one or more of the following areas: the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.), public health and climate change. Please do not exceed1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (success profiles) You will be invited to a (single) remote interview. Behaviours, technical, experience and ability will be tested at interview. The Behaviour's tested during the interview stage will be: Working Together (lead) Making effective decisions Changing and Improving Developing Self and Others Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ's. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month). Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. This role may also require Security Check (SC) clearance, if this is required, for meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC) clearance.UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.