At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality science advice on physical health to support decision-making.
- Company: Join the collaborative Science Office at Justice Digital, Data and Science.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexible working, 25+ days leave, and a £1k learning budget.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health policy with your scientific expertise.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in physical health and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 49325 - 53081 £ per year.
Location: National
Closing Date: 5th September 2026
Interviews: Week Commencing 5th October 2026
Grade: SEO (MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain this grade on lateral transfer)
Salary: London: £49,325 - £53,081 National: £42,914 - £46,182
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Contract Type: Permanent
Number of vacancies: 1
Vacancy number: 21449
We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your local office. Office locations can be found ON THIS MAP. Please note that unless you are an existing member of staff at Justice Digital, Data and Science, the only London location being recruited to is 10 South Colonnade, E14 4PU.
The Role
Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. We're recruiting for a Senior Science Adviser here at Justice Digital, Data and Science to be part of our warm and collaborative Science Office. Providing policy and operational colleagues with high-quality science advice is a core function of the Science Office. A Senior Science Adviser plays a critical role in ensuring that ministers and senior leaders are supported by credible, authoritative and well-judged scientific advice on physical health.
Reporting to the Grade 7 Science Advice Health Lead, this role sits at the heart of departmental decision-making on physical health-related issues, supporting the department to act with confidence in an area that is high-profile and high-impact. The desk supports the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officers report on health in prison and probation and is actively pursuing recommendations alongside responding to emerging issues and stakeholder enquiries.
The postholder will support the department’s health science advice desk, ensuring the quality, coherence and impact of science advice provided across MoJ and its agencies. The role requires subject-matter expertise in the physical health or health research space (for example through a PhD or equivalent experience), alongside strong judgement, leadership and the ability to translate complex scientific evidence into clear, actionable advice for senior decision-makers.
The MoJ Science Office sits within the Service Transformation Directorate, and is led by MoJ Chief Scientific Advisor, Hugh Stickland. We are the MoJ’s centre of expertise for science, R&D strategy, foresight and emerging technology, ensuring that decision making across the justice system is informed by robust evidence, scientific thinking, and forward-looking insight.
Our work brings together futures and horizon scanning, deep-subject specialism in natural and behavioural sciences, and the responsible application of new and emerging technologies to address current challenges and support long-term, strategic decision making. As a team we are collaborative, outward facing, and impact driven. We operate as an open innovation unit working closely with other government departments, the Government Office for Science, regulators, academics and industry partners to bring fresh thinking and robust insight into the heart of MoJ.
You’ll receive a range of excellent benefits when you join our department, including:
- A generous employer pension contribution of 28.97% through the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
- 25 days of annual leave, (increasing to 30 days once you have reached 5 years of service), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday.
- Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working, working part time or compressed hours, designed to support a positive work-life balance.
- Employees are allocated 10% of their working time for personal and professional development.
- A £1k per person learning budget is in place to support all our people, with access to best-in-class conferences and seminars, accreditation with professional bodies, fully funded vocational programmes and e-learning platforms.
- Compassionate maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies, with up to 26 weeks leave at full pay, 13 weeks with partial pay, and 13 weeks further leave.
- Maternity support/paternity leave at full pay for 2 weeks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the department’s health science advice desk by providing high-quality, timely and proportionate science advice on physical health topics and emerging technologies, using proportionate scientific methods.
- Coordinate and author scientific advice to senior officials and operational leaders on physical health-related issues, often in complex, sensitive or high-profile contexts.
- Assess, interpret and synthesise complex scientific evidence (e.g. epidemiology, public health and behavioural science) to support health desks’ partners in policy and operations.
- Ensure health-related science advice appropriately reflects uncertainty, risk and limitations of the evidence.
- Collaborate with external scientific experts, drawing on academics, advisory groups and cross-government partners where required.
- Work closely with policy, operational and analytical colleagues across MoJ, HMPPS and partner organisations to ensure advice is relevant, joined-up and operationally grounded.
- Collaborate effectively with government partners in Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, UK Health Security Agency and beyond, working to further the desks work and cross-government goals.
- Collaborate with academic, government and operational partners to facilitate health research and evidence generation in justice settings.
- Support the Grade 7 Science Advice Health Lead in the delivery of science advice through problem identification, prioritisation and stakeholder management.
Person Specification
Essential
- Ability to rapidly learn new scientific material, critically assess complex information, and present clear, accurate, and concise outputs for non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrable subject-matter expertise in physical health and excellent spoken and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to prioritise, and adapt quickly to new work requests, maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail while operating effectively in fast-moving, complex, and ambiguous settings.
- Experience working flexibly across teams and organisations, engaging diverse stakeholders (including senior leaders and external partners), and communicating clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.
- Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance.
We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor. Our values are Purpose, Humanity Openness and Together.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Senior Science Adviser employer: Justice Digital
Justice Digital, Data and Science is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to personal development, employees are empowered to thrive in a collaborative and inclusive environment. The Ministry of Justice's recognition as Best Employer of the Year at the Women in Tech Excellence Awards 2025 further highlights its dedication to fostering a supportive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Science Adviser
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Justice Digital.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Justice Digital.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Justice Digital, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Science Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Justice Digital.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Justice Digital.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Justice Digital. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Justice Digital. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Justice Digital
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Justice Digital’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
