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- Tasks: Lead independent scientific advice on health and care matters in Wales.
- Company: Join the Welsh Government, shaping health policy and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a competitive salary of around £92,537.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health outcomes and equity across Wales.
- Qualifications: Must have a strong track record in health-related scientific research.
- Other info: This is a senior role with opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 74000 - 110000 £ per year.
The Welsh Government is seeking to appoint a new Chief Scientific Adviser for Health (CSAH) to lead the provision of high-quality, independent scientific advice across a broad range of health and care matters. This is a pivotal role within the Health, Social Care and Early Years Group, working closely with the Chief Medical Officer for Wales and other senior leaders to ensure that policy decisions are underpinned by robust scientific evidence.
The CSAH plays a key leadership role in shaping the research, development, and innovation landscape in Wales. Co-leading Health and Care Research Wales, the CSAH will champion the application of science to improve health outcomes and equity across the nation, and ensure that Wales remains at the forefront of health and care innovation, nationally and internationally.
The successful candidate will be nationally or internationally recognised in a health-related scientific discipline, with a strong track record of applied research and evidence of impact on policy or practice. They will bring deep scientific expertise, outstanding communication skills, and the credibility to influence at the highest levels across academia, government, and the NHS. Candidates should bring experience of cross-disciplinary collaboration and be adept at building and leading networks of expert advisors.
This is a senior appointment at Deputy Director (SCS1) level, with a starting salary of c. £92,537. The role can be based at any of the Welsh Government’s main offices, with flexible and hybrid working options available. It is offered on a fixed-term or secondment basis, typically for a minimum of three years.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Welsh Government on this appointment, your application and contact details will be shared with them as part of the assessment process. For further information about the role please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OBEJC. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Candidates should apply for this role through The Welsh Government recruitment website: https://cais.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-7/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/3/opp/2739-Chief-Scientific-Adviser-for-Health-Health-Social-Care-and-Early-Years-Group/en-GB. Applications should be received by 12:00pm on Friday 27 June 2025.
Chief Scientific Adviser for Health employer: Welsh Government
Contact Detail:
Welsh Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Scientific Adviser for Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the health and scientific community. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or workshops where you can meet key figures in the field. Building relationships with influential individuals can provide insights and potentially lead to recommendations for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current health policies and scientific advancements in Wales. Familiarise yourself with the Welsh Government's priorities and challenges in health care. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your commitment to improving health outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects that required input from various scientific disciplines. Highlighting these experiences will show your capability to influence and drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, especially in conveying complex scientific concepts to non-experts. As a Chief Scientific Adviser, you'll need to articulate your ideas clearly to a diverse audience, including policymakers and stakeholders. Consider mock interviews or presentations to refine your delivery.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Scientific Adviser for Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Scientific Adviser for Health. Understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the impact this role has on health policy in Wales.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in health-related scientific disciplines, applied research, and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to influence policy or practice.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of your leadership experience, particularly in cross-disciplinary collaboration and network building. Highlight how you have successfully led teams or initiatives that align with the goals of the CSAH role.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application materials to reflect the specific requirements of the position. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application resonates with the selection panel.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welsh Government
✨Demonstrate Your Scientific Expertise
As a candidate for the Chief Scientific Adviser for Health, it's crucial to showcase your deep understanding of health-related scientific disciplines. Prepare to discuss your previous research and its impact on policy or practice, highlighting specific examples that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Leadership and Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong leadership and the ability to build networks. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully led cross-disciplinary teams or collaborated with various stakeholders, emphasising how these experiences have shaped your approach to scientific advice.
✨Communicate Effectively
Outstanding communication skills are essential for influencing at high levels. Practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner, ensuring you can engage with both scientific and non-scientific audiences during the interview.
✨Align with the Welsh Government's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Welsh Government's health policies and priorities. During the interview, express how your vision aligns with their goals for health outcomes and equity, demonstrating your commitment to advancing health and care innovation in Wales.
