UK Health Security Agency
Behavioural Scientist
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Hybrid working based at any core HQ or Scientific Campus sites.
Job Summary
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.
Job Description
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.
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
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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.
Person Specification
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
Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £41,983, UK Health Security Agency contributes £12,162 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
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: UKHSA Hub, Civil Service Careers
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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Selection Process Details
Stage 1: Application & Sift (Competency-based)
Required
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:
- Meets all Essential Criteria
- Meets some Essential Criteria
- 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.
Incident Response Activity
From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.
Qualifications And Registrations
For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.
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
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