Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has a statutory duty to promote research and the use of research evidence. The Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), alongside the Science Research and Evidence (SRE) Directorate, are integral to this effort.To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.The CSA has overall responsibility for the department’s research and development, including leadership of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) which is funded by the SRE. The CSA also plays a pivotal role in creating an effective and efficient research system for the NHS and the wider public health and social care research system. She is responsible for advice to Ministers and officials on specific science aspects of policy questions and, as Director General, has oversight of the Chief Analyst’s Directorate.The aim of SRE is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through science, research and evidence to inform policy and practice. SRE works to underpin the work of DHSC’s ministers and officials by improving the generation, synthesis and use of evidence.We seek to maximise the contribution that research makes to the health, wellbeing and economic prosperity of the country and globally by working closely with colleagues in other government departments, research funders in the public, private and charity sectors, the NHS, care system and universities.We do this primarily through the DHSC‑funded National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) which is led and funded by SRE. The NIHR was established in 2006 to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research, and the DHSC CSA is the CEO. The NIHR delivers against its mission through funding, supporting and delivering high quality research; engaging and involving patients, carers and the public; attracting, training and supporting the best researchers; investing in world‑class infrastructure and a skilled delivery workforce; partnering with other public funders, charities and industry.This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science and government and to make an impact at national and international scale. The role has two aspects: firstly, acting as the Deputy CSA; and secondly, as a Deputy Director within SRE leading the strategic direction of aspects of the NIHR and wider science policy.The role presents an opportunity to support the DHSC CSA and her private office in all aspects of her work across government and the devolved administrations, including rapid synthesis of science advice when called upon. This also includes advancing cross‑governmental science and technology priorities and setting and delivering scientific priorities for DHSC.As a Deputy Director in SRE, the post holder is responsible for developing and leading strategic areas within NIHR. These currently include health protection research (spanning environmental hazards, infectious diseases, climate and health, and health security including pandemic preparedness), global health research with a focus on health security, and health and care innovation. The post holder must be prepared to take up new portfolio areas as required.Activity will be varied, fast‑paced and high‑profile and we are looking for a self‑motivated leader who thrives in demanding but highly collaborative environments. A background in science research is essential. The post holder will manage challenging situations and complex problems with tact and leadership.You will be line‑managed by the Director of SRE with direct reporting to the CSA for CSA matters and will be part of SRE’s Senior Management Team leading the NIHR. Close and collaborative relationships will be maintained with colleagues across DHSC, UKHSA, NHSE, other government departments and with government and other research funders most notably UKRI.Key ResponsibilitiesDeputy CSASupport the CSA in all aspects of her role, including deputising where appropriate.Engage with the cross‑government CSA officials’ network and the Government Office for Science (e.g., taking the lead on commissions) alongside the CSA private office.Develop and deliver DHSC’s contribution to cross‑government science and technology strategies.Develop and drive strategic science initiatives for DHSC, ensuring they respond to government priorities and the needs of the health and care system, and are aligned with wider government activities.Be Head of the Science and Engineering Profession in DHSC, ensuring that the science system within DHSC is fit for purpose and supporting cross‑government efforts to improve the government science system more broadly.Deputy Director for Health Security, Global Health and Innovation ResearchStrategic leadership of DHSC’s health protection research portfolio, including leading cross‑government coordination of R&D for pandemic preparedness, prevention and response.Strategic leadership of DHSC’s innovation research portfolio, including delivering the new Innovation Catalyst and developing strategic approaches to delivering research against the five big bets in the 10‑Year Health Plan (AI, data, genomics, robotics and wearables).Strategic leadership of DHSC’s ODA‑funded GHR portfolio.In addition, the Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser and Deputy Director of Health Security will need to:Be an active member of SRE SMT, including actively leading corporate contributions.Lead the Deputy CSA Branch, promoting a positive working environment and motivating the team to deliver an exciting and varied portfolio of work with real‑world impact.Represent DHSC and NIHR to a range of internal and external stakeholders including Ministers, policy counterparts in other government departments, in‑country networks and other UK and global funders and organisations, the charity sector, academia and industry.Work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver work in areas outside of your expertise and to achieve CSA and SRE priorities.Represent the CSA and SRE at DHSC and cross‑government meetings, and at external events.Be willing to obtain DV security clearance once in post.Essential QualificationsExperience of conducting research in academia or industry, and/or experience of funding research resulting in a deep understanding of the role health research plays in improving the health of the nation and driving economic growth.Ability to rapidly synthesise and present science advice, drawing on a range of appropriate sources to develop policy recommendations and drive change and improvement at a system level.Inclusive and decisive leadership, able to motivate teams to drive delivery in complex, fast‑moving and often sensitive environments.Experience of advising, engaging and influencing senior stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities.Agile – able to rapidly get up to speed with new concepts and priorities, bringing together the right people to make sound decisions.Highly developed communication, networking and negotiation skills.Desirable CriteriaCredible domestic and international reputation as a health scientist.PhD in health or biomedical sciences.BenefitsSalary of £81,000; Department of Health and Social Care contributes £23,465 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.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 employer contribution of 28.97 %.Application ProcedureTo apply for this post please follow the online application process and complete the following documents no later than 23:55 on Sunday 4 January 2026.A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.A Statement of Suitability (no more than 1250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification.Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only has limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.The panel will select a shortlist of candidates whose applications best demonstrate suitability for the role, by considering the evidence provided against the essential criteria set out in the person specification. Candidates applying under the Disability Confident Scheme and the Great Place to Work for Veterans Scheme who meet the minimum selection criteria are guaranteed an interview.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only; it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence such as family‑friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.Nationality RequirementsUK nationalsNationals of the Republic of IrelandNationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKNationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSSIndividuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceWorking for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. It runs a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.It also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.Experience of conducting research in academia or industry, and/or experience of funding research resulting in a deep understanding of the role health research plays in improving the health of the nation and driving economic growth.Ability to rapidly synthesise and present science advice, drawing on a range of appropriate sources to develop policy recommendations and drive change and improvement at a system level.Inclusive and decisive leadership, able to motivate teams to drive delivery in complex, fast‑moving and often sensitive environments.Experience of advising, engaging and influencing senior stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities.Agile – able to rapidly get up to speed with new concepts and priorities, bringing together the right people to make sound decisions.Highly developed communication, networking and negotiation skills.Credible domestic and international reputation as a health scientist; PhD in health or biomedical sciences.Alongside your salary of £81,000, Department of Health and Social Care contributes £23,465 towards your membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. 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 employer contribution of 28.97 %.#J-18808-Ljbffr