UK Health Security Agency

Behavioural Scientist

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are seeking a Behavioural Scientist who will work as part of the Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), an all-hazards, responsive team within the Science Group at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). They will support the BSIU in delivering behavioural and social science expertise to inform UKHSA's health protection and health security priorities.

Specifically, this Behavioural Scientist role will provide support to the BSIU Behavioural Science Team Leaders to provide robust, expert advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on all matters relating to behavioural and social science in support of the all-hazards activities of the organisation.

They 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 science-related evidence synthesis and advice. This role will therefore require expertise in the behavioural and social sciences and will require the postholder to work as part of an integrated team with multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Main duties of the job

The Behavioural Scientist will join a team designing/conducting/evaluating applied behavioural research projects using a range of qualitative/quantitative methodologies including rapid research and community engagement activities during public health incidents/outbreaks. They will support the analysis and interpretation of data, undertake evidence reviews and literature syntheses, and provide timely, evidence-based advice to support operational/strategic decision-making.

The BSIU also designs and delivers behavioural and communication-based interventions informed by research findings, community insights and established behavioural science frameworks. They will lead or contribute to projects, prepare high-quality reports, presentations/publications and ensure all work is delivered to robust scientific and professional standards.

The role will require the development and maintenance of effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues across UKHSA/government departments/local authorities/academic partners and other external organisations. They will facilitate collaboration, support stakeholder engagement activities, and help identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and maximise the impact of behavioural science across the organisation.

The above 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

14 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

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

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-SH-633004658-EXT

Job locations

Hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites

Birmingham/Leeds/Liverpool/London/Porton/Chilton/Colindale

E14 4PU

United Kingdom


Job description

Job responsibilities

Stakeholder Management

  • Support the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders attending meetings, networks etc. as appropriate to role
  • Establish and maintain links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or Department
  • Develop, implement and maintain a strategy for prioritising our work with those stakeholders who we rely on to achieve shared goals
  • Deal with at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day-to-day workload referring/escalating to line management as appropriate

Management and Leadership

  • Act as a role model adhering to team professional standards
  • Support the development of policies and protocols for use within the BSIU/department
  • Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed
  • Support and contribute to the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement
  • Support/lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager
  • Hold delegated responsibility for designated budget in respect of the delivery of appropriate project
  • To take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project team

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 your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Essential Criteria

  • First Degree in the behavioural or social science (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.)
  • PhD in the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.); or MSc and equivalent relevant experience; or substantial relevant experience
  • Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software)
  • Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis)
  • Experience in creating formal reports and scientific publications
  • Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences
  • Proven ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales

Desirable Criteria

  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others
  • Proficiency in the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods in a health research context
  • Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands
  • Experience of internet-based search technology for behavioural and social science research, and of conducting bibliographic searching and systematic reviews

Stage 1: Application & Sift (Competency-based)

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete:

  • An Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application)
  • A 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over this amount

This should outline how your skills, abilities, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your Application Form and Supporting Statement.

The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please note you will not be able to upload or email us your CV. Please complete the Application Form in as much detail as possible.

Longlisting

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

  1. Meets all Essential Criteria
  2. Meets some Essential Criteria
  3. Meets no Essential Criteria

Only 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria:

  • Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software)
  • Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis)

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

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Competency-based)

You will be invited to a single remote interview, via MS Teams.Interview date(s) to be confirmed.

During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria:

  • Knowledge
  • Experience
  • Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation relating to your research experience and skills. Additional information on the topic and format will be shared prior to interview. This is to further assess your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities.

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Salary Information

Grade: Civil Service Senior Executive Officer (SEO)

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.

SEO Inner: £46,310 - £52,113

SEO Outer: £44,148 - £50,121

SEO National: £41,983 - £48,128

Per annum, pro-rata

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.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites.

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) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or one of UKHSA's Scientific Campus sites (Colindale, Porton or Chilton).

Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport links and benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

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

Job description

Job responsibilities

Stakeholder Management

  • Support the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders attending meetings, networks etc. as appropriate to role
  • Establish and maintain links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or Department
  • Develop, implement and maintain a strategy for prioritising our work with those stakeholders who we rely on to achieve shared goals
  • Deal with at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day-to-day workload referring/escalating to line management as appropriate

Management and Leadership

  • Act as a role model adhering to team professional standards
  • Support the development of policies and protocols for use within the BSIU/department
  • Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed
  • Support and contribute to the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement
  • Support/lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager
  • Hold delegated responsibility for designated budget in respect of the delivery of appropriate project
  • To take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project team

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 your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Essential Criteria

  • First Degree in the behavioural or social science (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.)
  • PhD in the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.); or MSc and equivalent relevant experience; or substantial relevant experience
  • Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software)
  • Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis)
  • Experience in creating formal reports and scientific publications
  • Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences
  • Proven ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales

Desirable Criteria

  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others
  • Proficiency in the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods in a health research context
  • Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands
  • Experience of internet-based search technology for behavioural and social science research, and of conducting bibliographic searching and systematic reviews

Stage 1: Application & Sift (Competency-based)

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete:

  • An Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application)
  • A 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over this amount

This should outline how your skills, abilities, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your Application Form and Supporting Statement.

The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please note you will not be able to upload or email us your CV. Please complete the Application Form in as much detail as possible.

Longlisting

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

  1. Meets all Essential Criteria
  2. Meets some Essential Criteria
  3. Meets no Essential Criteria

Only 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria:

  • Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software)
  • Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis)

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

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Competency-based)

You will be invited to a single remote interview, via MS Teams.Interview date(s) to be confirmed.

During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria:

  • Knowledge
  • Experience
  • Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation relating to your research experience and skills. Additional information on the topic and format will be shared prior to interview. This is to further assess your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities.

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Salary Information

Grade: Civil Service Senior Executive Officer (SEO)

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.

SEO Inner: £46,310 - £52,113

SEO Outer: £44,148 - £50,121

SEO National: £41,983 - £48,128

Per annum, pro-rata

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.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites.

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) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or one of UKHSA's Scientific Campus sites (Colindale, Porton or Chilton).

Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport links and benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

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

Person Specification

Application Form & Supporting Statement

Essential

  • Application Form & Supporting Statement

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Questions on Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Presentation relating to your research experience and skills
Person Specification

Application Form & Supporting Statement

Essential

  • Application Form & Supporting Statement

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Questions on Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Presentation relating to your research experience and skills

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

Hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites

Birmingham/Leeds/Liverpool/London/Porton/Chilton/Colindale

E14 4PU

United Kingdom


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

Hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites

Birmingham/Leeds/Liverpool/London/Porton/Chilton/Colindale

E14 4PU

United Kingdom


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 Officer

Sarah Handy

sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

14 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

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

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-SH-633004658-EXT

Job locations

Hybrid working based at any of our core HQs or Scientific Campus sites

Birmingham/Leeds/Liverpool/London/Porton/Chilton/Colindale

E14 4PU

United Kingdom


Privacy notice

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