Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) and Deputy Director of Health Security

Government Recruitment Service; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is looking for a Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser to shape science policy and lead health security research. The successful candidate will engage across government and international stakeholders to develop strategic initiatives that enhance health protection and drive innovation in healthcare. This role requires strong leadership skills and experience in public health. Applications are encouraged from individuals with a passion for impactful science.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior leadership roles within governmental or health organizations.
• Knowledge in health protection research and global health issues.
• Ability to engage with multiple stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the CSA and lead cross-government science strategies.
• Develop initiatives for health security and innovation in research.
• Motivate and manage the Deputy CSA Branch for effective outcomes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-government collaboration

Health security research

Innovation in healthcare

Job description

Role Overview

This role offers a unique opportunity to work in the exciting intersection of science and government and make an impact at national and international scale. It combines the responsibilities of Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) and Deputy Director within SRE, shaping the strategic direction of the NIHR and wider science policy.

As Deputy Director in SRE, the post holder is responsible for developing and leading strategic areas within NIHR, currently including health protection research (spanning environmental hazards, infectious diseases, climate and health, and health security including pandemic preparedness), global health research focusing on health security, and health and care innovation. The post holder must be prepared and able to pick up new portfolio areas as required.

The role supports the DHSC CSA and her private office across government and devolved administrations, delivering rapid synthesis of science advice, advancing cross‑governmental science priorities, and serving as Head of the Science and Engineering Profession within DHSC. It works closely with the Government Office for Science and stakeholders such as UKHSA, NHSE, UKRI, and other research funders.

Key Responsibilities

• Deputy CSA
  • Support the CSA in all aspects of her role, including deputising where appropriate.
  • Engage with the cross‑government CSA officials’ network and the Government Office for Science (e.g., taking the lead on commissions) alongside the CSA private office.
  • Develop and deliver DHSC’s contribution to cross‑government science and technology strategies.
  • Develop and drive strategic science initiatives for DHSC that respond to government priorities and the needs of the health and care system, and are aligned with wider government activities, e.g., developing and delivering DHSC Areas of Research Interest and delivering Ministerial and Chief Medical Officer research and innovation priorities.
  • Be Head of the Science and Engineering Profession in DHSC, ensuring the science system within DHSC is fit for purpose and supporting cross‑government efforts to improve the wider government science system.
• Deputy Director for health security, global health and innovation research
  • Strategic leadership of DHSC’s health protection research portfolio, including leading cross‑government coordination of R&D for pandemic preparedness, prevention and response.
  • Strategic leadership of DHSC’s innovation research portfolio, including delivering the new Innovation Catalyst and developing strategic approaches to delivering research against the five big bets in the 10‑Year Health Plan (AI, data, genomics, robotics and wearables).
  • Strategic leadership of DHSC’s ODA‑funded GHR portfolio.
• Additional responsibilities
  • Be an active member of SRE SMT, including actively leading corporate contributions.
  • Lead the Deputy CSA Branch, promoting a positive working environment and motivating the team to deliver an exciting and varied portfolio of work with real‑world impact, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities and stretching objectives; champion development opportunities and support matrix management across SRE.
  • Represent DHSC and NIHR to a range of internal and external stakeholders including Ministers, policy counterparts in other government Departments, in‑country networks and other UK and global funders and organisations, the charity sector, academia and industry.
  • Work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders, delivering work in areas outside your expertise to advance CSA and SRE priorities.
  • Represent the CSA and SRE at DHSC and cross‑government meetings, and at external events.
  • Have a willingness to be security‑cleared at DV level once in post.