UK Health Security Agency

Research Project Support Officer

The closing date is 07 January 2026

Job summary

AMR & HCAI Division

This post is within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Division of UKHSA. The mission of the division is to protect people from healthcare-associated and antimicrobial resistant infections, through world-leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, modelling, research and interventions.

Primary Care and Interventions Unit

The Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU) is a small research team based in Gloucester. It aims to prevent and improve the management of common infections in primary care through research, guidance, resource development and education of professionals, the general public and young people. We also work with GP practices, pharmacies, care homes, universities, schools, and the public to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and preventing infection. Our work involves creating educational resources and implementation tools for healthcare professionals, the public, and schools.

Our work supports the UK Government's efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including the UK AMR 20-Year Vision and the National Action Plan (2025-2029).

We collaborate with a wide range of partners to create educational resources and conduct research that informs and evaluates interventions.

Examples of our work include:

  • TARGET Antibiotics Toolkit
  • e-Bug educational website

Main duties of the job

As a Research Project Support Officer, you'll initially support the TARGET Antibiotics Toolkit team. You'll help develop and deliver research projects aimed at improving how common infections are managed in primary care settings (such as GP surgeries, pharmacies, and care homes).

Your responsibilities will include writing research protocols, preparing ethics applications, collecting and analysing data, reporting and presenting findings. This will include the opportunity to be an author on peer reviewed publications. You will also support the TARGET team to fulfil business objects such as reviewing and updating resources and communicating about the work of the PCIU at events and conferences.

This role offers the chance to apply and develop your project management skills, and develop a wide range of research skills, including both qualitative and quantitative methods

This role would benefit someone who is motivated and ready to take on new challenges, able to meet deadlines and maintain high standards, and someone who is flexible and enjoys working as part of a team.

You will need to be educated to MSc degree level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research or equivalent relevant experience at a similar level.

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

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

19 December 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33,422 to £40,731 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

4 years

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-TG-308196-EXT

Job locations

Gloucester

Gloucester

GL1 1DQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Applicants will need to have some experience in project management within healthcare or primary care research, skills in using MS Office and analytical tools (e.g. Epidata, NVivo), experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting, and an ability to communicate research findings through publications and presentations.

Experience in community healthcare, infections and analysis of large data sets and working experience of qualitative and quantitative research and evaluations of public health or educational resources will be an advantage.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supports, facilitates and monitors the progress of a specific project
  • Responsible for managing, delivering, maintaining and developing the areas of work allocated to them by line manager or project manager
  • Identifies, reviews and escalates risks/issues to project manager or project board as appropriate
  • Set up and maintain databases and systems to support the effective running of the programme
  • Input into development of business cases and proposals to establish new projects
  • Contribute to the production of timely and accurate reports on project performance by providing progress reports on specific actions
  • Analyse assessments and project reports, taking appropriate action to resolve failures to meet project standard or escalate to project manager
  • Accurately interpreting data (verbal and numerical) and research papers, and summarising and effectively communicating this data
  • Writing and designing draft research specifications for individual research projects
  • Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to undertake research
  • Carry out primary research such as interviewing health care staff and patients
  • Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships at all level
  • Work collaboratively across teams and functions
  • Contribute to the planning, development and delivery of learning events and networks to enhance knowledge and skills amongst relevant stakeholders
  • Liaise with other team members across the programme, supporting other staff to deliver the programme objectives
  • Assisting with the creative development of promotional materials such as poster presentations and advertisements placed in scientific press
  • Be responsible for your own administration
  • Deputise for the Project Manager
  • Encourage quality improvement of products and services
  • Suggests changes to and implements policies and procedures in own work area
  • Work within the scope of the project budget
  • The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate
  • The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.

To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Internal

  • Joint Clinical Leads of Primary Care and Interventions Unit
  • Primary Care and Interventions Unit Manager
  • Other Primary Care and Intervention Unit staff
  • Other UKHSA departments including HCAI, AMR and behavioural insights

External

  • Colleagues within the NHS
  • Universities
  • Research & Development Units
  • Primary Care commissioners
  • Ethics and Grants Committees
  • Project and research participants including patients
  • Other research groups and collaborators
  • Professional societies with interest in infections in primary care, especially RCGP, BSAC, RPS and RCN

Essential role criteria (including qualifications, licenses and registrations):

  • Educated to MSc degree level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research or equivalent relevant experience and training in public health science related data collection, analysis, reporting and application to health policy and interventions
  • Project Management Qualification (e.g. Prince2 Practitioner) or equivalent relevant experience and training of working with a team to deliver project objectives, working with project management tools, and reporting on project progress
  • Communicates effectively with project stakeholders and partners. With experience of maintaining good stakeholder relations and of working with others to achieve common goals
  • Previous experience in public health, NHS, or similar research role, with experience of working in a changing environment
  • Ability to manage own workload, prioritise work and deliver within set timescales, while working within a multi-disciplinary team. Must also be able to travel throughout the region and country as required
  • Ability to negotiate, influence and engage with staff and stakeholders at all levels. With an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  • Ability to lead as a specialist in area of quantitative or qualitative research/education and provide guidance
  • Ability to assess user/customer/stakeholder needs and translate these into a product or service that meets those requirements
  • Well-developed written and oral communication skills. Also a working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skill

Desirable role criteria:

  • Able to supervise staff and to motivate them to deliver agreed objectives

Selection Process Details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency.

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 9 essential criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

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

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V. 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 may longlist into 3 piles of:

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

We will take pile "Meets all essential criteria" through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large amount of applications, we will sift on:

  • Educated to MSc degree level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research or equivalent relevant experience and training in public health science related data collection, analysis, reporting and application to health policy and interventions

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based):

You will be invited to a remote interview.

Interviews will be held in January or February 2026. Specific dates will be disclosed closer to the time.

During the interview we will assess against the below:

  • Knowledge
  • Experience
  • Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be how you would carry out a critical appraisal of evidence for health behaviours.

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

Additional Information

Eligibility to work in the Civil Service

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

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our office in Gloucester. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) in the office.

Additional Information

Security Clearance Level Requirement:

Successful candidates must pass an enhanced 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.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our office in Gloucester. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) in the office.

Salary

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Applicants will need to have some experience in project management within healthcare or primary care research, skills in using MS Office and analytical tools (e.g. Epidata, NVivo), experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting, and an ability to communicate research findings through publications and presentations.

Experience in community healthcare, infections and analysis of large data sets and working experience of qualitative and quantitative research and evaluations of public health or educational resources will be an advantage.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supports, facilitates and monitors the progress of a specific project
  • Responsible for managing, delivering, maintaining and developing the areas of work allocated to them by line manager or project manager
  • Identifies, reviews and escalates risks/issues to project manager or project board as appropriate
  • Set up and maintain databases and systems to support the effective running of the programme
  • Input into development of business cases and proposals to establish new projects
  • Contribute to the production of timely and accurate reports on project performance by providing progress reports on specific actions
  • Analyse assessments and project reports, taking appropriate action to resolve failures to meet project standard or escalate to project manager
  • Accurately interpreting data (verbal and numerical) and research papers, and summarising and effectively communicating this data
  • Writing and designing draft research specifications for individual research projects
  • Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to undertake research
  • Carry out primary research such as interviewing health care staff and patients
  • Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships at all level
  • Work collaboratively across teams and functions
  • Contribute to the planning, development and delivery of learning events and networks to enhance knowledge and skills amongst relevant stakeholders
  • Liaise with other team members across the programme, supporting other staff to deliver the programme objectives
  • Assisting with the creative development of promotional materials such as poster presentations and advertisements placed in scientific press
  • Be responsible for your own administration
  • Deputise for the Project Manager
  • Encourage quality improvement of products and services
  • Suggests changes to and implements policies and procedures in own work area
  • Work within the scope of the project budget
  • The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate
  • The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.

To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Internal

  • Joint Clinical Leads of Primary Care and Interventions Unit
  • Primary Care and Interventions Unit Manager
  • Other Primary Care and Intervention Unit staff
  • Other UKHSA departments including HCAI, AMR and behavioural insights

External

  • Colleagues within the NHS
  • Universities
  • Research & Development Units
  • Primary Care commissioners
  • Ethics and Grants Committees
  • Project and research participants including patients
  • Other research groups and collaborators
  • Professional societies with interest in infections in primary care, especially RCGP, BSAC, RPS and RCN

Essential role criteria (including qualifications, licenses and registrations):

  • Educated to MSc degree level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research or equivalent relevant experience and training in public health science related data collection, analysis, reporting and application to health policy and interventions
  • Project Management Qualification (e.g. Prince2 Practitioner) or equivalent relevant experience and training of working with a team to deliver project objectives, working with project management tools, and reporting on project progress
  • Communicates effectively with project stakeholders and partners. With experience of maintaining good stakeholder relations and of working with others to achieve common goals
  • Previous experience in public health, NHS, or similar research role, with experience of working in a changing environment
  • Ability to manage own workload, prioritise work and deliver within set timescales, while working within a multi-disciplinary team. Must also be able to travel throughout the region and country as required
  • Ability to negotiate, influence and engage with staff and stakeholders at all levels. With an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  • Ability to lead as a specialist in area of quantitative or qualitative research/education and provide guidance
  • Ability to assess user/customer/stakeholder needs and translate these into a product or service that meets those requirements
  • Well-developed written and oral communication skills. Also a working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skill

Desirable role criteria:

  • Able to supervise staff and to motivate them to deliver agreed objectives

Selection Process Details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency.

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 9 essential criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

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

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V. 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 may longlist into 3 piles of:

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

We will take pile "Meets all essential criteria" through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large amount of applications, we will sift on:

  • Educated to MSc degree level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research or equivalent relevant experience and training in public health science related data collection, analysis, reporting and application to health policy and interventions

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based):

You will be invited to a remote interview.

Interviews will be held in January or February 2026. Specific dates will be disclosed closer to the time.

During the interview we will assess against the below:

  • Knowledge
  • Experience
  • Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be how you would carry out a critical appraisal of evidence for health behaviours.

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

Additional Information

Eligibility to work in the Civil Service

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

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our office in Gloucester. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) in the office.

Additional Information

Security Clearance Level Requirement:

Successful candidates must pass an enhanced 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.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our office in Gloucester. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) in the office.

Salary

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.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Essential

Essential

  • Questions on experience, skills and abilities

Presentation

Essential

  • Ability
Person Specification

Essential criteria

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Essential

Essential

  • Questions on experience, skills and abilities

Presentation

Essential

  • Ability

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

Gloucester

Gloucester

GL1 1DQ


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

Gloucester

Gloucester

GL1 1DQ


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 Support

Tom Geldeard

Tom.Geldeard@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

19 December 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33,422 to £40,731 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

4 years

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-TG-308196-EXT

Job locations

Gloucester

Gloucester

GL1 1DQ


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