Scientific Adviser

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health institute in Manchester is seeking a proactive Scientific Adviser to lead research projects on health technologies. The role involves conducting research, collaborating internationally, and developing evidence-based responses to policy issues. Candidates should have a doctorate and experience in health technology assessment and methods research. Flexible working hours and a range of benefits are offered, making it an excellent opportunity for professionals in the health sector.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Discounts via Blue Light Card

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Modern office facilities

Access to Staff Networks

Qualifications

• Experience in health technology assessment of diagnostic tests.
• Experience in conducting methods research and disseminating findings.
• Experience in collaborative research with health system partners.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis in collaboration with UK and international partners.
• Develop responses to science policy issues.
• Encourage implementation of research findings in NICE's processes.

Skills

Critical appraisal and synthesis of complex evidence

Research leadership under demanding deadlines

Education

Doctorate in health outcomes research, health policy, or related field

Job description

Go back NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Scientific Adviser

The closing date is 02 December 2025

Are you a proactive and enthusiastic individual with experience in health technology assessment (HTA), health policy development, guideline development, or health economics and outcomes research? Do you want to lead research projects addressing policy and methods issues that have a major impact on how NICE works?

We have a vacancy for a fixed term (maternity cover) Scientific Adviser in NICE's Research team. The team has established a wide and growing portfolio of research projects to develop improved methods for health technology assessment and guideline development. Our portfolio includes collaborative national and international projects such as ERA4TB, IDERHA, AD-RIDDLE, PREDICTOM, EDiHTA, READI, SUSTAIN-HTA, SYNTHIA, ASSESS DHT and a project funded by the Wellcome Trust.

The post holder will initially work on multiple research projects focused on novel screening and diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (e.g. AD-RIDDLE and PREDICTOM) and will also contribute to future research proposals. The team adopts a flexible approach, meaning that the specific tasks assigned to the post-holder may change in response to business needs, providing opportunity to learn about a wide range of hot topics in health technology assessment such as the use of real-world evidence, AI, synthetic data, and the evaluation of digital health technologies.

Main duties of the job

The Scientific Advisers within the Research team are responsible for a range of activities, including:

• Conducting research, analysing data and disseminating findings in collaboration with partners in the UK and internationally.
• Developing NICE responses to science policy issues. Typically, a policy response is needed when new research findings, or new policy decisions by government or regulators, mean that NICE's policies or methods require updating.
• Working with colleagues across NICE to identify and prioritise areas where methodological research is needed.
• Working with colleagues across NICE to encourage the implementation and adoption of research findings in NICE's methods and processes.
• Developing applications for research funding in collaboration with partners in the UK and internationally.
• Engaging with stakeholders and partner organisations.

About us

The Science Evidence and Analytics (SEA) Directorate is responsible for ensuring that NICE uses the best available evidence in its guidance to support health and care decision makers across health and care. The Research team sits within SEA, with a remit to support the whole Institute. The programme undertakes methods research and works with and influences external policy partners on scientific and research issues related to the work of NICE. The team works to develop NICE's methods and encourages partners to commission research relevant to the work of NICE.

We can offer you a great place to work with good benefits, flexible working, and a supportive, friendly, and inclusive environment. We offer a range of benefits including:

• NHS pension scheme which is one of the most generous in the UK.
• We promote flexible working to help staff achieve a healthy work life balance including work from home, compressed hours and flexi start/finish times.
• Access to a Blue Light Card which includes a wide range of discounts from major retailers, restaurants and more.
• Holiday entitlement which starts from 27 days plus Bank Holidays
• Access to modern offices with showers, bike storage facilities and refreshments such as tea and coffee.
• Access to Staff Networks including Disability Advocacy and Wellbeing Network, Women In NICE, Race Equality Network, NICE and Proud, Eco-NICE, Change Agent Network.

Job responsibilities

To be considered for this role, you should be able to particularly demonstrate the person specification criteria in the job advert in your application. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate all essential criteria through the entirety of the recruitment process to be considered for the job.

Please see job description attached for full list of responsibilities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Doctorate (or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through experience and training/development) and further specialist training in the field of one or more of the following: health outcomes research, health policy, health economics, medical statistics, epidemiology, or another relevant health-related discipline

Experience

• Experience in the health technology assessment of screening and/or diagnostic tests

Experience

• Experience in conducting methods research and disseminating findings

Experience

• Experience of collaborative research and/or policy project work with national or international health system partners

Skills

• Ability to identify, critically appraise, analyse and synthesise highly complex evidence and present it clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing

Skills

• Ability to effectively lead complex research and/or policy projects and deliver work of a high standard with conflicting and demanding deadlines

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence