JOB SUMMARY

This role will involve working 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).
Specifically, this Behavioural Scientist role will contribute to the research programme of the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Emergency Preparedness and Response. The post holder will be expected to conduct applied research and evaluation projects, utilise qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and apply theoretical models and frameworks from the behavioural sciences. 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 post holder to work as part of an integrated team with multidisciplinary stakeholders. This post may require security clearance.
The UKHSA Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), provides subject matter expertise and leadership in the application of behavioural science to health protection and security. The BSIU provides expert advice and undertakes a range of research activities to support UKHSA teams and external partners to develop and evaluate evidence informed advice, guidance, behavioural interventions, and risk communication strategies.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Implement and use a range of research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all behavioural and social science-related activities, including the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• 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 management of engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including across UKHSA, other Government Departments, Local Authorities, Academic partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Design and deliver behavioural and communication-based interventions (informed by community engagement, rapid research and appropriate theoretical approaches), to assist with the all-hazards work of UKHSA, and the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• To 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 UKHSA’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• Undertake line management responsibilities as agreed.
• In line with other responsibilities, perform any other tasks assigned or objectives set by the line manager commensurate with the grade.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals 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 European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Implement and use a range of research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all behavioural and social science-related activities, including the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• 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 management of engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including across UKHSA, other Government Departments, Local Authorities, Academic partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Design and deliver behavioural and communication-based interventions (informed by community engagement, rapid research and appropriate theoretical approaches), to assist with the all-hazards work of UKHSA, and the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• To 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 UKHSA’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• Undertake line management responsibilities as agreed.
• In line with other responsibilities, perform any other tasks assigned or objectives set by the line manager commensurate with the grade