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UK Health Security Agency

Senior Climate Change Scientist (Co-benefits research and toolkits)

The closing date is 27 November 2025

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Job summary

UKHSA has established the Centre for Climate and Health Security (the 'CCHS') to provide scientific advice and support to local, national and international partners to ensure that the impacts of climate change on public health are considered and embedded in system design. Possessing multi-disciplinary teams, scientific infrastructure, and a broad network of partners, UKHSA will speak with an authoritative voice that will aid the design of local, national and international policies, as well as the organisations responsible for delivering them.

Centre for Net Positive Solutions for Health and Climate (Net+)

This post will contribute to a key CCHS research programme, 'Centre for Net Positive Solutions for Health and Climate (Net+ or 'Net Positive')' which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).The Net+ Centre is a national focus for research, networking and capacity building, identifying 'net-positive' interventions for health solutions, reducing the negative impacts of climate change while maximising the co-benefits of interventions and providing the basis for furthering scientific advances, policy advice and innovation. Net+ and is a collaboration between the University of Exeter (UoE), the UKHSA, Forest Research (FR), the National Trust (NT), and the Met Office (MO).

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be based in the CCHS'S Mobilisation Team and will contribute to the research programme of the Centre for Climate and Health Security (CCHS) and the Net+ Centre in partnership with the University of Exeter. This will involve developing the evidence base concerning the health effects of climate change, identifying interventions to address these effects, as well as disseminating findings to partners through production of evaluation methods and toolkits. The post holder will provide support for climate change and health policies through feeding into the Climate Change Risk Assessment and the National Adaptation Programme, for example. There may also be opportunity to contribute to other research projects, such as the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Climate Change and Health Security, funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and in collaboration with university partners. In addition, the post holder will also contribute to publishing peer-reviewed articles and reports.

The post holder will represent the CCHS as a member of various scientific and policy-related working groups with external stakeholders in Government and academia amongst others. They will seek out and develop collaborative working between the CCHS and other stakeholders, both within UKHSA and externally. They will work closely with the other members of the Centre for Climate and Health Security and other teams within UKHSA and deputise for senior staff as required.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

13 November 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£41,983 to £52,113 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

25 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

919-GB-6221149-EXT

Job locations

Homeworking

Homeworking

E14 4PU


Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties:

  • Analyse the body of knowledge concerning the risks of and responses to climate and environmental change to public health.
  • Develop and provide expert advice in the form of methods and toolkits for UKHSAs partners concerning the health implications climate change including interventions in response and potential health co-benefits of climate action
  • Co-ordinate engagement with key stakeholders through various methods, including supporting delivery of targeted workshops
  • Gather and synthesise information from stakeholders to influence toolkit production and dissemination
  • Contribute to training courses run by UKHSA and also by external bodies
  • Assist UKHSA, academic collaborators, government officials and officials in national and international bodies in the analysis and interpretation of complex scientific data in a specific area and in the provision of advice
  • Assist in the provision of specialist advice to clinicians and healthcare professionals on climate and environmental health issues as appropriate during emergency situations
  • Undertake the necessary Research and Development to underpin UKHSAs capability to provide advice on environmental change and health
  • Undertake peer reviews of draft publications prepared by outside individuals, as required from time to time by journals. Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications as appropriate
  • Provide input to and review appropriate consultation documents on government policy, issued by other agencies and government departments, on an ad hoc basis.
  • Contribute to the development, delivery and expansion of UKHSAs research programme on climate and environmental change and health. This will include:o Developing/leading on proposals for projects which are scientifically sound, appropriate and relevant to UKHSAs aims and objectiveso Seeking external funding where appropriateo Ensuring research work is undertaken within appropriate and relevant quality management systemso Ensuring all data/ information generated within the Mobilisation Teams work programme is stored in an appropriate manner ideally in an electronic form consistent with UKHSAs information management policieso Communicating scientific results in peer reviewed journals and at conferences as well as in UKHSA publications

This is not an exhaustive list.

Essential role criteria

  • PhD or equivalent in a related field of study (including Public Health, Geography) or Masters Degree with equivalent relevant experience to PhD level
  • Awareness of public health and environmental issues
  • Experience of working in climate change, environment or other relevant area
  • Experience of undertaking research and development
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

  • Understanding of project management
  • Experience of organizing stakeholder workshops
  • Familiarity with Information Management protocols
  • Training course design and delivery skills
  • Writing peer review papers and research proposals, communication and collaboration
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (11)essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • up to 1000 word supporting statement.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

1. PhD qualification in Public Health and environmental epidemiology, biostatistics, mathematical modelling or equivalent in a related field of study (including Public Health, Geography) , or Masters Degree with equivalent relevant experience to PhD level2. Experience of working in climate change, environment, or other relevant area3. Excellent organisational skills

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, technical, experience, and strengths will be tested at interview.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-minute presentation on the potential for toolkits in climate action, drawing on your previous experience, with Q&A after. Full details will be shared at interview stage.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Communicating and influencing
  • Working together
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Making Effective Decisions Lead behaviour

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This is a homeworking role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

Eligibility Criteria External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
  • £41,983- £48,128 (National)
  • £44,148- £50,121 (Outer London)
  • £46,310- £52,113 (Inner London)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties:

  • Analyse the body of knowledge concerning the risks of and responses to climate and environmental change to public health.
  • Develop and provide expert advice in the form of methods and toolkits for UKHSAs partners concerning the health implications climate change including interventions in response and potential health co-benefits of climate action
  • Co-ordinate engagement with key stakeholders through various methods, including supporting delivery of targeted workshops
  • Gather and synthesise information from stakeholders to influence toolkit production and dissemination
  • Contribute to training courses run by UKHSA and also by external bodies
  • Assist UKHSA, academic collaborators, government officials and officials in national and international bodies in the analysis and interpretation of complex scientific data in a specific area and in the provision of advice
  • Assist in the provision of specialist advice to clinicians and healthcare professionals on climate and environmental health issues as appropriate during emergency situations
  • Undertake the necessary Research and Development to underpin UKHSAs capability to provide advice on environmental change and health
  • Undertake peer reviews of draft publications prepared by outside individuals, as required from time to time by journals. Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications as appropriate
  • Provide input to and review appropriate consultation documents on government policy, issued by other agencies and government departments, on an ad hoc basis.
  • Contribute to the development, delivery and expansion of UKHSAs research programme on climate and environmental change and health. This will include:o Developing/leading on proposals for projects which are scientifically sound, appropriate and relevant to UKHSAs aims and objectiveso Seeking external funding where appropriateo Ensuring research work is undertaken within appropriate and relevant quality management systemso Ensuring all data/ information generated within the Mobilisation Teams work programme is stored in an appropriate manner ideally in an electronic form consistent with UKHSAs information management policieso Communicating scientific results in peer reviewed journals and at conferences as well as in UKHSA publications

This is not an exhaustive list.

Essential role criteria

  • PhD or equivalent in a related field of study (including Public Health, Geography) or Masters Degree with equivalent relevant experience to PhD level
  • Awareness of public health and environmental issues
  • Experience of working in climate change, environment or other relevant area
  • Experience of undertaking research and development
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

  • Understanding of project management
  • Experience of organizing stakeholder workshops
  • Familiarity with Information Management protocols
  • Training course design and delivery skills
  • Writing peer review papers and research proposals, communication and collaboration
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (11)essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • up to 1000 word supporting statement.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

1. PhD qualification in Public Health and environmental epidemiology, biostatistics, mathematical modelling or equivalent in a related field of study (including Public Health, Geography) , or Masters Degree with equivalent relevant experience to PhD level2. Experience of working in climate change, environment, or other relevant area3. Excellent organisational skills

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, technical, experience, and strengths will be tested at interview.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-minute presentation on the potential for toolkits in climate action, drawing on your previous experience, with Q&A after. Full details will be shared at interview stage.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Communicating and influencing
  • Working together
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Making Effective Decisions Lead behaviour

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This is a homeworking role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

Eligibility Criteria External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
  • £41,983- £48,128 (National)
  • £44,148- £50,121 (Outer London)
  • £46,310- £52,113 (Inner London)

Person Specification

Application form and statement of suitability

Essential

  • Application form and statement of suitability

Behaviours

Essential

  • communicating and influencing
  • Working together
  • Seeing the bigger picture
  • Making effective decisions - Lead behaviour

Presentation

Essential

  • Presentation
Person Specification

Application form and statement of suitability

Essential

  • Application form and statement of suitability

Behaviours

Essential

  • communicating and influencing
  • Working together
  • Seeing the bigger picture
  • Making effective decisions - Lead behaviour

Presentation

Essential

  • Presentation

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

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Homeworking

Homeworking

E14 4PU


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Homeworking

Homeworking

E14 4PU


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing

Gurkamal Bhambra

gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

13 November 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£41,983 to £52,113 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

25 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

919-GB-6221149-EXT

Job locations

Homeworking

Homeworking

E14 4PU


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)