Scientific Adviser

NHS; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health organization in Manchester seeks a proactive Scientific Adviser to lead research on health technology assessment and contribute to policy-making. The ideal candidate will have a doctorate and experience in health outcomes research. This role offers flexibility such as working from home and opportunities for impactful research in health policy development.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working options

Holiday entitlement starting from 27 days

Access to Staff Networks

Qualifications

• Proven ability in health technology assessment.
• Experience in collaborative research with health systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analyze data in collaboration with partners.
• Develop responses to science policy issues.
• Encourage implementation of research findings.

Skills

Data analysis

Research project leadership

Critical appraisal

Effective communication

Education

Doctorate in health outcomes research or related field

Job description

Job Summary

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

• Conduct research, analyse data and disseminate findings in collaboration with partners in the UK and internationally.
• Develop 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.
• Work with colleagues across NICE to identify and prioritise areas where methodological research is needed.
• Work with colleagues across NICE to encourage the implementation and adoption of research findings in NICE's methods and processes.
• Develop applications for research funding in collaboration with partners in the UK and internationally.
• Engage 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.

Benefits

• NHS pension scheme which is one of the most generous in the UK.
• Flexible working: work from home, compressed hours and flexi start/finish times.
• Access to a Blue Light Card with discounts from major retailers, restaurants and more.
• Holiday entitlement starting from 27 days plus Bank Holidays.
• 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.

Essential 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.

Essential Experience

• Experience in the health technology assessment of screening and/or diagnostic tests.
• Experience of collaborative research and/or policy project work with national or international health system partners.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in conducting methods research and disseminating findings.

Essential Skills

• Ability to identify, critically appraise, analyse and synthesise highly complex evidence and present it clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively lead complex research and/or policy projects and deliver work of a high standard with conflicting and demanding deadlines.

Additional Requirements

• Disclosure and Barring Service Check: the post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for disclosure.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Employer Details

NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

3rd Floor, 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN

Website: https://www.nice.org.uk/