Job summary
We are looking for a Behavioural Science Advisor to work in the UK Health Security Agency's Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), part of the Science Group.
The Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU) is at the forefront of understanding public and professional attitudes and behaviours and their impact on health. The remit covers both the general public and stakeholders (e.g., local authorities, voluntary and community groups, high risk settings such as prisons). The evidence generated is used to inform strategic decision and policy making, service design and operational improvements.
Main duties of the job
This Behavioural Science Advisor role will provide support to the BSIU Behavioural Scientists and Behavioural Science Team Leaders to provide robust, expert advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders in support of the all-hazards activities of the organisation. The postholders will be expected to conduct applied research and evaluation projects, utilising qualitative and quantitative methodologies, applying theoretical models and frameworks appropriate to the context of the work. The BSIU also work in support of the public health incident and emergency response functions of the organisation and will play a role in supporting UKHSA's role as a Category 1 response organisation, through the provision of rapid behavioural and social science-related evidence synthesis and advice. This role will therefore require experience in the behavioural and social sciences and will require the postholder to work as part of an integrated team with multidisciplinary stakeholders.
Location
Multiple UKHSA offices across the UK. Hybrid working options available (Flexible).
UKHSA Addresses:
- 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London. E14 5EA
- 61 Colindale Avenue, London. NW9 5EQ
- Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG
- Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxford. OX11 0RQ
- Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool. L3 1DS
- Oak Park Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, West Yorkshire. LS16 6RW
- 3 Piccadilly Place, London Road, Manchester. M1 3BN
- 2 Rivergate, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6EH
Working Pattern -Full Time
About us
Working for the UKHSA
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
- 26 days annual leave allowance increasing to 32 days after a 10-year service
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility atChildcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Implement and utilise a range of research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of BSIU activities. This will include the use of research and evaluation methodologies, including to facilitate rapid research and community engagement with those affected by local infectious disease outbreaks and/or other public health incidents.
- Work with other members of the team to identify, evaluate and adapt new research methodologies where necessary and appropriate, and to ensure that the projects operate to a high scientific standard using current methods.
- Use literature review methodologies to rapidly identify and synthesise relevant theory and research to provide timely response to queries with a behavioural science and insights focus.
- Support day-to-day engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including across UKHSA, Other Government Departments, Local Authorities, academic partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Support the design and delivery of behavioural and communication-based interventions (informed by community engagement, rapid research, and appropriate theoretical models and frameworks), to assist with the all-hazards work of UKHSA, including the management of outbreaks and other public health incidents.
- Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and to lead on preparation of presentations and publications.
- Undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
(Please see the job description for a full list of duties)
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Implement and utilise a range of research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of BSIU activities. This will include the use of research and evaluation methodologies, including to facilitate rapid research and community engagement with those affected by local infectious disease outbreaks and/or other public health incidents.
- Work with other members of the team to identify, evaluate and adapt new research methodologies where necessary and appropriate, and to ensure that the projects operate to a high scientific standard using current methods.
- Use literature review methodologies to rapidly identify and synthesise relevant theory and research to provide timely response to queries with a behavioural science and insights focus.
- Support day-to-day engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including across UKHSA, Other Government Departments, Local Authorities, academic partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Support the design and delivery of behavioural and communication-based interventions (informed by community engagement, rapid research, and appropriate theoretical models and frameworks), to assist with the all-hazards work of UKHSA, including the management of outbreaks and other public health incidents.
- Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and to lead on preparation of presentations and publications.
- Undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
(Please see the job description for a full list of duties)
Person Specification
Essential/Desirable Criteria
Essential
- First Degree in behavioural or social science (e.g., psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.)
- Experience in post-graduate or on-the-job experience in undertaking qualitative and quantitative research, desk-based literature research, abstracting, data/report analysis and report preparation in one of the following areas, in one of the following areas: emergency preparedness and response, health protection, behavioural analysis and intervention design.
- Experience in the Coordination of (qualitative and/or quantitative) data collection programmes for health-related research;
- Specific knowledge of health system training methods to respond to major incidents
- Use of behavioural theory and research to conduct behavioural analyses and intervention design/ evaluation
- Experience with SPSS and other statistical packages
- Experience with NVIVO programme; Experience with systematic review processes and methods
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
- Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support
- Ability to work on own initiative and organize own workload without supervision, working to tight and often changing timescales
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable
- Able to organise meetings/workshops
- Able to present at national/ international conferences and meetings
- Knowledge of approaches to emergency preparedness and response in the UK or elsewhere
- Experience with internet-based search technology for health research
- Experience with bibliographic searching; Experience with modern windows applications
- Experience in communications and stakeholder management
- A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it
- Previous experience in similar role in public sector
- Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
Person Specification
Essential/Desirable Criteria
Essential
- First Degree in behavioural or social science (e.g., psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.)
- Experience in post-graduate or on-the-job experience in undertaking qualitative and quantitative research, desk-based literature research, abstracting, data/report analysis and report preparation in one of the following areas, in one of the following areas: emergency preparedness and response, health protection, behavioural analysis and intervention design.
- Experience in the Coordination of (qualitative and/or quantitative) data collection programmes for health-related research;
- Specific knowledge of health system training methods to respond to major incidents
- Use of behavioural theory and research to conduct behavioural analyses and intervention design/ evaluation
- Experience with SPSS and other statistical packages
- Experience with NVIVO programme; Experience with systematic review processes and methods
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
- Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support
- Ability to work on own initiative and organize own workload without supervision, working to tight and often changing timescales
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable
- Able to organise meetings/workshops
- Able to present at national/ international conferences and meetings
- Knowledge of approaches to emergency preparedness and response in the UK or elsewhere
- Experience with internet-based search technology for health research
- Experience with bibliographic searching; Experience with modern windows applications
- Experience in communications and stakeholder management
- A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it
- Previous experience in similar role in public sector
- Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
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.
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.
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).
