At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytical projects and provide expert advice to shape impactful science and health policies.
- Company: Join a leading Academy focused on science and health policy innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid working, and 26 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policy development with high-quality analytical insights.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in analytical functions and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 69080 - 69080 £ per year.
Salary: £69,080
Role duration: Permanent (37.5 hours per week)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid - 50% office attendance)
Summary Purpose - what you will be achieving:
The Policy Directorate brings together the Academy’s policy, analysis and external affairs functions to address major science and health policy issues in the UK and internationally. The Directorate works as a single, coordinated team, focusing resources on priority areas, applying strategic approaches, generating high‑quality evidence and insights, and engaging effectively with government, stakeholders and partners to inform decision‑making and influence policy. You will work in the Academy’s new Analysis Function, which ensures that policy development, external engagement, and rapid response work are consistently underpinned by high‑quality analytical insight. Reporting to the Head of Policy Analysis, you will lead activities in a team that spans qualitative and quantitative methods, evidence synthesis, horizon scanning, policy modelling and evaluation. You will work within the Policy Directorate (including the Policy Development and External Affairs functions) to improve the quality and impact of policy recommendations, and ensure decision-makers can rely on timely, trusted analysis.
About the role - what you will be doing:
- Provide expert advice and guidance in support of policy analysis: Work with the Head of Policy Analysis to develop the Analysis Function’s strategy, operating model, standards, governance and ways of working. Work with Policy Managers to agree strategies for evidence gathering in support of policy priorities. Advise on risks, uncertainties, and the implications of emerging scientific and technological trends as they pertain to the conduct of medical sciences and the health service.
- Lead the Policy Directorate’s ‘rapid response’ function: Lead the process of developing rapid responses to emerging policy opportunities. Oversee horizon scanning activities to ensure opportunities for rapid response are identified and planned for at early stages. Work with the Policy Directorate to agree, manage and quality assure rapid response projects. Where rapid response work has been commissioned by external organisations (e.g. government, arm’s length bodies), ensure their project needs are defined and addressed. Ensure rapid response outputs are underpinned by high‑quality analysis.
- Project manage analytical activities: Lead the Academy’s policy analysis projects, determining the best methodological approaches to gathering evidence that will inform policy development and external affairs. Manage the design and delivery of evidence syntheses, horizon scanning, modelling, impact assessments, stakeholder insight analysis, and evaluation. Lead colleagues in the Analysis Function to coordinate project planning and evidence‑gathering activities. Support the Analysis Function with commissioning external analysis where appropriate. Regularly report on project progress, risks and issues to the Head of Policy Analysis.
- Build analytical partnerships and external credibility: Engage with analytical teams across government (e.g., DHSC, NHS England, UKRI, ONS), the charity sector, research funders and national academies. Engage with academic experts, methodologists, research networks and data holders to strengthen analytical depth. Represent the Academy in analytical or evidence‑focused fora. Work with the External Affairs team to support external activities.
Closing date for completed applications is Monday 6 July 2026 at 9am. Interviews will likely be held w/c Monday 13 July 2026. If you have any queries about this vacancy, please contact Daniel Wake at daniel.wake@acmedsci.ac.uk.
Essential:
- Extensive experience working in analytical or evidence functions.
- Expertise in a range of analytical methods, such as: evidence synthesis, horizon scanning, behavioural insights, data analysis, evaluation, modelling, or forecasting.
- Experience in ensuring analytical quality assurance and establishing or applying analytical standards.
- Proven ability to engage with and communicate complex analytical findings clearly for non‑technical system partners, including government and sector representatives.
- Experience with working at pace and managing a range of projects.
- Good understanding of the UK science, research and health policy landscape and how evidence informs decision‑making.
Desirable:
- Previous work in a science, health, research or public policy environment (e.g., government, national academy, think tank, research funder).
- Experience with managing budgets and commissioning research.
We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:
- Competitive rewards: Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%). Life assurance at three times your salary.
- Work-life Balance: Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance. 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays. Buying and selling leave. Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).
- Wellbeing and Development: Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Support through tailored learning and development.
- Additional Benefits: A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.
Senior Policy Manager (Analysis Lead) employer: Academy of Medical Sciences
As a Senior Policy Manager (Analysis Lead) at our London-based Academy, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to addressing critical science and health policy issues both in the UK and internationally. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values analytical excellence and offers extensive employee growth opportunities, including tailored learning and development programmes. With a competitive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements, we ensure our employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the field of policy analysis.
Contact Details:
Academy of Medical Sciences Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Manager (Analysis Lead)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in policy analysis or related areas. Attend events, webinars, and workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your analytical skills and understanding the latest trends in science and health policy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your previous work, including any evidence synthesis or modelling projects you've led. This will help demonstrate your capabilities and give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to impactful policy work.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Manager (Analysis Lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in analytical methods and policy development. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Policy Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is all about high-quality analysis, be sure to provide examples of your experience with evidence synthesis, horizon scanning, or any other analytical methods. We love seeing how you’ve used these skills to influence policy decisions in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your complex analytical findings, as we need to know you can engage effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academy of Medical Sciences
✨Know Your Analytical Methods
Make sure you brush up on the various analytical methods mentioned in the job description, like evidence synthesis and horizon scanning. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in your previous roles and how they can be beneficial for the Policy Directorate.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to communicate complex analytical findings to non-technical partners, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. Use examples that highlight your ability to engage with stakeholders and make your insights accessible.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience managing multiple projects at pace. Think of specific examples where you led a project from start to finish, detailing how you ensured quality assurance and met deadlines.
✨Understand the Policy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current UK science, research, and health policy landscape. Be prepared to discuss recent developments and how they might impact the Academy's work, showing that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
