NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Health Services Researcher
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Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Health Services Researcher (Multiple Posts) (Ref: 252185)
Position Summary
Full-Time: 36 hours per week Contract: Fixed-Term (until 30/06/2027) or Secondment Salary: Band 7 (£52,845 - £61,466) Location: Edinburgh/Glasgow – Hybrid Working with office days in Glasgow or Edinburgh
About Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Healthcare Improvement Scotland is an organisation with many parts and one purpose – better quality health and social care for everyone in Scotland.
About the Role
We are recruiting Health Services Researchers (HSRs) with experience in conducting literature reviews and critical appraisals. There are multiple posts available within the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), part of the Evidence & Digital Directorate of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Key Responsibilities
The SMC provides advice on the clinical and cost effectiveness of:
- Newly licensed medicines
- New formulations of existing medicines
- New indications of established products
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The SMC also manages a horizon scanning function, delivering early intelligence on new medicines development to support NHS financial and service planning.
Specific Duties
- Leading critical appraisals of clinical evidence for medicines assessments
- Reviewing submissions and supporting decisions on medicines where alternatives are already approved in NHSScotland
- Contributing to all key functions of SMC, with a focus on:
- Leading clinical expert consultations
- Validating end-of-life and orphan status through literature review
- Executing budget impact assessments
- Critical appraisal of clinical studies and indirect treatment comparisons
Person Specification
- Industry experience: Proven expertise in literature reviews and critical appraisals
- Research skills: Methodical, analytical, and broad scientific/research knowledge
- Soft skills: Strong organisation, communication, and interpersonal abilities
- Degree requirement: Numerate, biomedical, or health sciences degree
- Postgraduate qualification: Major advantage in a relevant subject (clinical research methodology preferred)
- Numeracy/critical thinking: Key for cost-effectiveness analysis
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How to Apply
For further details, contact:
- Susan Downie (SMC Lead Health Services Researcher) – susan.downie3@nhs.scot
- Alex Henriquez (SMC Lead Health Services Researcher) – alex.henriquez@nhs.scot
Closing Date: Midnight on 08 July 2026
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