Commissioner of the Commission on Human Medicines

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health advisory body in the UK is seeking a Commissioner for the Commission on Human Medicines. The successful candidate will bring expertise in Medical Oncology, serve as a skilled communicator, and contribute to discussions on medicine safety and efficacy. This role requires the ability to assimilate complex scientific data quickly and engage with patient perspectives. Interested candidates should apply through the official public appointments website. The closing date for applications is 03 February 2026.

Qualifications

• Recognised by peers and/or a Fellow of the relevant Royal College in Medical Oncology.
• Skilled communicator, able to operate effectively on a national expert scientific committee.
• Able to assimilate complex scientific information at short notice.
• Understanding of the importance of patient engagement.

Responsibilities

• Possess or develop knowledge of the UK medicines regulatory procedures.
• Draw on individual expertise for all agenda items.
• Assist the CHM to provide advice to Ministers.

Skills

Skilled communicator

Ability to assimilate complex scientific information

Engagement with patient experiences

Education

Recognition by peers and/or Fellowship in Medical Oncology

Job description

Commissioner of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM)

The closing date is 03 February 2026

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to appoint a new Commissioner to the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). Candidates should be recognised by their peers and/or be Fellows of the relevant Royal Colleges in the following area: Medical Oncology.

To be considered for this role, please apply via the Apply for Public Appointments website (https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8984). Only applications submitted on that website will be considered.

Main duties of the job

As a commissioner you will possess or develop a working knowledge and understanding of the UK medicines regulatory procedures. You will draw on your individual expertise and judgement for all agenda items and assist the CHM to provide advice to Ministers. We are looking for skilled communicators who can assimilate complex scientific information at short notice, and take account of a wider view of risk and benefit, particularly as it is perceived by patients, carers and other members of the public.

About us

The Commission on Human Medicines is an Advisory Non‑Departmental Public Body, set up in law to advise UK Health Ministers on the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines for human use and to promote the collection and investigation of adverse drug reactions.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) seeks independent advice from the CHM to ensure its scientific judgements are robust and informed by clinical practice. It is primarily a multidisciplinary scientific advisory committee comprised of experts from medical, pharmaceutical, and related scientific disciplines and includes lay/patient representatives.

Job responsibilities

For full details on job description, please refer to advert attached in this vacancy or visit https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8984.

Qualifications

• Be recognised by peers and/or a Fellow of the relevant Royal College in Medical Oncology.
• Be a skilled communicator, able to operate effectively on a national expert scientific committee and prepared to contribute actively to the work of the CHM.
• Be able to assimilate complex scientific information at short notice.
• Have an understanding of the importance of patient engagement to the work of CHM and MHRA and be able to proactively incorporate patients’ lived experience in committee discussions.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency