Software and AI Specialist - £60,778 - £68,422 p.a. + benefits

Service Delivery

• Assess and develop policy responses to the risks and regulatory challenges associated with advanced AI technologies, such as foundation models and generative AI, drawing on sound judgement, problem-solving skills and an understanding of the wider political, economic and technological context in the UK and internationally.
• Provide regulatory advice and guidance on the implementation and interpretation of the current and future software and AI-enabled medical devices regulatory framework, applying experience in policy, regulation, technology, law and/or AI governance.
• Gather, synthesise and evaluate complex evidence from technical, legal, operational and socio-economic perspectives to inform the development of primary and secondary legislation on software and AI-enabled medical devices regulation.
• Produce clear, accurate and persuasive policy products, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, regulatory guidance and best practice materials, tailored to a range of audiences.
• Represent the MHRA at working-level meetings, workshops and conferences, presenting MHRA positions clearly, professionally and with sensitivity to high-profile policy and regulatory issues.

Service Improvement

• Engage, negotiate and maintain effective relationships with industry, civil society, academia, government, other regulators and senior officials to inform the MHRA’s work and communicate policy positions.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Software and AI team, Innovation and Compliance Group and wider Agency to ensure joined-up delivery of AI and Software as a medical device regulation projects.
• Forge productive relationships with external parties to support successful programme delivery.

Quality and Assurance

• Gather, analyse and evaluate complex evidence to support robust regulatory and policy decisions.
• Ensure policy products, guidance and advice are clear, accurate and evidence based.

General

• Deliver difficult or complex messages with decisiveness, clarity and sensitivity, being persuasive when required.
• Promote diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, respecting difference and external experience.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous self-learning, development, innovation and challenge.
• Be proactive and independent in managing work whilst contributing effectively as part of a wider team.

The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder.

Person specification

• Significant experience working in a policy, regulatory, technology-based or legal role.
• Experience on AI governance or policy in the context of healthcare / medical devices.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to analyse complex issues and formulate clear and persuasive arguments for a range of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain relationships with senior officials and stakeholders, and the ability to act independently.
• An understanding of wider political, economic and technological developments in the UK and internationally.
• Previous relevant experience such as healthcare, medical device, AI governance or regulation or regulatory environment.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £60,778, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £17,607 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
• Privilege Leave: 1 day
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of six months full pay and six months half pay after five years’ service.
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666
• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
• Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
• Eligibility to join Motoring, Boundless by CSMA
• Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
• On-going learning and development

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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Key dates (dates are indicative only and could be subject to change)

• Closing date – 6th October 2026 at 23:55
• Sifting – week commencing 7th October 2026
• Main panel interviews – week commencing 12th October 2026

Communications will be electronic via email therefore it is important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.

We’re committed to being diverse and inclusive, so please make your application anonymous by removing all identifying personal information (such as names and dates) from your employment history and personal statement.

Sift Stage

• Anonymised CV which sets out your career history, previous experience and skills, highlighting specific responsibilities that are relevant for this role.
• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank.

Presentation

The panel will look at your application and are looking for evidence of the stated points. We may raise the benchmark score required if we receive a high number of applications.

Main Panel Interview

Successful candidates from the sift stage will be invited to attend an interview. We use a blended interview technique, allowing us