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Prif leoliad
Behavioural Science and Insights Unit
Gradd
Civil Service: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Contract
Cyfnod Penodol: 7 mis (Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2027 with a possibility of extension but not guaranteed)
Oriau
  • Llawnamser
  • Rhan-amser
  • Rhannu swydd
  • Gweithio hyblyg
37.5 awr yr wythnos
Cyfeirnod y swydd
919-SH-633004658-EXT
Cyflogwr
UK Health Security Agency
Math o gyflogwr
Public (Non NHS)
Gwefan
Hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites
Tref
Birmingham/Leeds/Liverpool/London/Porton/Chilton/Colindale
Cyflog
£41,983 - £52,113 Per annum, pro-rata
Cyfnod cyflog
Yn flynyddol
Yn cau
02/10/2026 23:59

Teitl cyflogwr

UK Health Security Agency logo

Behavioural Scientist

Civil Service: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods.

We provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health and build the nation’s health security capability.

UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Trosolwg o'r swydd

We are seeking a Behavioural Scientist who will work as part of the Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), an all-hazards, responsive team within the Science Group at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). They will support the BSIU in delivering behavioural and social science expertise to inform UKHSA's health protection and health security priorities. 

Specifically, this Behavioural Scientist role will provide support to the BSIU Behavioural Science Team Leaders to provide robust, expert advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on all matters relating to behavioural and social science in support of the all-hazards activities of the organisation.

They will be expected to conduct applied research and evaluation projects, utilising qualitative and quantitative methodologies, applying theoretical models and frameworks appropriate to the context of the work. The BSIU also work in support of the public health incident and emergency response functions of the organisation and will play a role in supporting UKHSA’s role as a Category 1 response organisation, through the provision of rapid behavioural science-related evidence synthesis and advice. This role will therefore require expertise in the behavioural and social sciences and will require the postholder to work as part of an integrated team with multidisciplinary stakeholders. 

Prif ddyletswyddau'r swydd

The Behavioural Scientist will join a team designing/conducting/evaluating applied behavioural research projects using a range of qualitative/quantitative methodologies including rapid research and community engagement activities during public health incidents/outbreaks. They will support the analysis and interpretation of data, undertake evidence reviews and literature syntheses, and provide timely, evidence-based advice to support operational/strategic decision-making. 

The BSIU also designs and delivers behavioural and communication-based interventions informed by research findings, community insights and established behavioural science frameworks. They will lead or contribute to projects, prepare high-quality reports, presentations/publications and ensure all work is delivered to robust scientific and professional standards.

The role will require the development and maintenance of effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues across UKHSA/government departments/local authorities/academic partners and other external organisations. They will facilitate collaboration, support stakeholder engagement activities, and help identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and maximise the impact of behavioural science across the organisation.

The above list is not exhaustive.

Gweithio i'n sefydliad

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.   

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.  

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

Stakeholder Management

  • Support the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders attending meetings, networks etc. as appropriate to role
  • Establish and maintain links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or Department
  • Develop, implement and maintain a strategy for prioritising our work with those stakeholders who we rely on to achieve shared goals
  • Deal with at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day-to-day workload referring/escalating to line management as appropriate

Management and Leadership

  • Act as a role model adhering to team professional standards
  • Support the development of policies and protocols for use within the BSIU/department
  • Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed
  • Support and contribute to the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement
  • Support/lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager
  • Hold delegated responsibility for designated budget in respect of the delivery of appropriate project
  • To take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project team

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Essential Criteria

  • First Degree in the behavioural or social science (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.)
  • PhD in the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.); or MSc and equivalent relevant experience; or substantial relevant experience
  • Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software)
  • Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis)
  • Experience in creating formal reports and scientific publications
  • Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences
  • Proven ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales

Desirable Criteria

  • 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
  • Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands
  • Experience of internet-based search technology for behavioural and social science research, and of conducting bibliographic searching and systematic reviews

Stage 1: Application & Sift (Competency-based)

 

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete:

  • An Application Form (‘Employer/Activity history’ section on the application)
  • A 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over this amount

This should outline how your skills, abilities, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your Application Form and Supporting Statement.

The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV – please note you will not be able to upload or email us your CV. Please complete the Application Form in as much detail as possible. 

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:

  1. Meets all Essential Criteria
  2. Meets some Essential Criteria
  3. Meets no Essential Criteria

Only 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria:

  • Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software)
  • Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis)

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

 

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

 

Stage 2: Interview (Competency-based)

 

You will be invited to a single remote interview, via MS Teams. Interview date(s) to be confirmed.

 

During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria:

  • Knowledge 
  • Experience 
  • Skills and Abilities 

You will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation relating to your research experience and skills. Additional information on the topic and format will be shared prior to interview. This is to further assess your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities. 

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.

 

Salary Information

 

Grade: Civil Service Senior Executive Officer (SEO)

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.

SEO Inner: £46,310 - £52,113

SEO Outer: £44,148 - £50,121

SEO National: £41,983 - £48,128

Per annum, pro-rata

 

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

 

Location

 

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites.

 

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) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or one of UKHSA's Scientific Campus sites (Colindale, Porton or Chilton). 

 

Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport links and benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

 

Security Clearance Level Requirement

 

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

 

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

 

Manyleb y person

Application Form & Supporting Statement

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Application Form & Supporting Statement

Essential Criteria

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Questions on Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Presentation relating to your research experience and skills

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