NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Associate Director - Frontier Methods

The closing date is 30 January 2026

Job summary

Do you want to do meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to society?This is a unique opportunity to take forward NICE's work in 'frontier methods': advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and real-world evidence (RWE) methods.

The Associate Director - Frontier Methods will play a key role in positioning NICE as the leading agency in the use of AI and RWE in health technology assessment (HTA) and guideline development.

You will lead the delivery of a portfolio of work outlined in NICE's statement of intent for AI which commits NICE to implementing best practice when AI-based methods are used to support evidence generation for NICE's guidance.

You will also be responsible for maintaining NICE's leadership in RWE methods in HTA, enabling NICE to use robust, up-to-date evidence, therefore improving access to new innovations for patients.

We are looking for an enthusiastic self-starter with a creative approach to problem solving. You should have an expert knowledge in the use and evaluation of AI tools in the context of health and care as well as a thorough knowledge of best practice in the use of RWE in HTA.

Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.

This role can be based in either our Manchester (M1 3BN) or London (E20 1JQ) offices.

Main duties of the job

As Associate Director - Frontier Methods, you will:

  • Establish and continuously improve a cross-cutting programme of work around robust testing and evaluation of AI tools in a complex multi-directorate environment.
  • Continuously monitor progress in the field of AI and identify strategic opportunities (short and long term) for the use of AI in HTA and guideline development, supporting innovation in NICE's work.
  • Maintain a highly developed understanding of new developments in AI, and RWE study design, conduct and analysis.
  • Lead the development of high-quality guidance on methodological practice for AI and RWE.
  • Develop, lead and contribute to scientific research and demonstration projects in collaboration with external partners.
  • Provide management and leadership of a multi-disciplinary team and build a shared vision and ways of working across the RWE Methods team, SEA and wider organisation.

About us

The team is responsible for developing and maintaining NICE's methods for AI and RWE. This includes development of best practice guidance, such as NICE's RWE Framework and provision of up-to-date advice to internal and external stakeholders with regard to appropriate use of AI in NICE's in all stages of guidance development. We provide training and upskilling to our staff in applying real-world evidence to our decision making and the team works in close collaboration with other teams in the directorate and across all NICE's functions. We can offer you a great place to work with good benefits, flexible working, and a supportive, friendly, and inclusive environment. Our benefits include:

  • Generous NHS Pension - Secure your future with one of the most rewarding pension schemes in the UK.
  • Flexible Working - Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with options like remote working, compressed hours and flexible start/finish times.
  • Exclusive Discounts - Save on shopping, dining and more with a Blue Light Card.
  • Time to Recharge - Start with 27 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
  • Inclusive Staff Networks - Join supportive communities like Women in NICE, Race Equality Network, Disability Advocacy and more - we celebrate diversity.
  • Tailored Development - Grow your career with personalised learning and development opportunities.
If you feel this is the type of environment you will enjoy working in, apply today!

Details

Date posted

16 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8d

Salary

£91,342 to £105,337 a year per annum (plus HCAS if applicable)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours

Reference number

907-833

Job locations

3rd Floor

3 Piccadilly Place

Manchester

M1 3BN


Job description

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.

Job description

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

Essential

  • Doctorate or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through experience and further specialist training/development, with a specialisation in evidence synthesis in healthcare and the use of advanced data analytics methods (e.g. AI/ML methods, big data analysis, pharmacoepidemiology).

Experience

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an experience of programme management and delivering programmes across complex matrix management structures.

Experience

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an experience in developing or commissioning AI/ML applications.

Experience

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an experience in methods development in big data/RWE.

Knowledge

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating a highly developed specialist knowledge across the range of work procedures and practices underpinned by theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience; including knowledge of application of real-world evidence in decision making.

Knowledge

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an expert knowledge and in-depth experience in the use, and evaluation, of machine learning/artificial intelligence tools in the context of health and care
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Doctorate or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through experience and further specialist training/development, with a specialisation in evidence synthesis in healthcare and the use of advanced data analytics methods (e.g. AI/ML methods, big data analysis, pharmacoepidemiology).

Experience

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an experience of programme management and delivering programmes across complex matrix management structures.

Experience

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an experience in developing or commissioning AI/ML applications.

Experience

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an experience in methods development in big data/RWE.

Knowledge

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating a highly developed specialist knowledge across the range of work procedures and practices underpinned by theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience; including knowledge of application of real-world evidence in decision making.

Knowledge

Essential

  • Proven examples demonstrating an expert knowledge and in-depth experience in the use, and evaluation, of machine learning/artificial intelligence tools in the context of health and care

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Address

3rd Floor

3 Piccadilly Place

Manchester

M1 3BN


Employer's website

https://www.nice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Address

3rd Floor

3 Piccadilly Place

Manchester

M1 3BN


Employer's website

https://www.nice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Programme Director – Data and Evidence

Pall Jonsson

pall.jonsson@nice.org.uk

Details

Date posted

16 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8d

Salary

£91,342 to £105,337 a year per annum (plus HCAS if applicable)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours

Reference number

907-833

Job locations

3rd Floor

3 Piccadilly Place

Manchester

M1 3BN


Supporting documents

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