CPRD OR Researcher in London

We are currently looking for a CPRD Researcher to join our Clinical Practice Research Datalink team in the Safety and Surveillance group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Who are we? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The Safety and Surveillance Group brings together into a single integrated structure devices and medicines safety expertise with enforcement capabilities. These functions will be supported by our data and evidence generating capabilities complementing our signal generating capabilities produced via the new Safety Connect System.

Part of the Safety and Surveillance group, The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), with support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is the UK’s preeminent research service providing access to anonymised NHS data for research. In addition to supporting high quality observational research, CPRD has developed world leading services based on using real world data to support clinical trials and interventional studies.

What’s the role? The CPRD Researcher will apply their epidemiological, statistical, data management and data analysis expertise to support public health research. Specifically, the post holder will contribute to internal development, data quality, collaborative and commissioned research projects, conduct scientific review of research applications to use CPRD data for research submitted to the CPRD research data governance process and requests to output results from the CPRD Safe trusted research environment, and create and deliver study specific datasets for external clients. The role will also involve input into the development and application of best practice that contributes to the maintenance of CPRD as a centre of excellence for observational data research and services.

You will have excellent organisational, analytical and communications skills, take a thorough and rigorous approach to quality assurance, and have the determination and ability to work independently.

• Research project delivery
• Scientific support of CPRD’s research data governance and output checking process
• Service the provision of data extracts
• Support the development of CPRD research services
• People Management

Our successful candidate will have the following:

• A degree in Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, Health Economics, Public Health or equivalent related qualification.
• Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence.
• Encourage joined up teamwork within own team and across other groups.
• In depth understanding of epidemiological principles and statistical concepts and experience of applying this in practice.
• Working knowledge and understanding of quality assurance in research as demonstrated by the ability to identify and report on pertinent issues and suggest practical solutions.

Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview, T=Test

• Managing a Quality Service (A/I)
• Developing Self & Others (A/I)
• Working Together (A/I)

• In depth understanding of epidemiological principles and statistical concepts and experience of applying this in practice. (A/I/T)
• Experience of research using primary care data and other health related data sources. (A/I)
• Sound knowledge of the challenges involved in using health data in public health research. (A/I)
• Experience in the use of different methods and approaches for manipulating, linking, processing and extracting data. (I)
• Working knowledge and understanding of quality assurance in research as demonstrated by the ability to identify and report on pertinent issues and suggest practical solutions. (A/I)
• Working understanding of the research governance around the use of and sharing of anonymised patient data. (A)
• Experience of preparing and/or reviewing research outputs using statistical disclosure control methods. (I)

• A degree in Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, Health Economics, Public Health or equivalent related qualification. (A)
• Proven ability in conducting epidemiological research using large complex longitudinal datasets. (A/I)
• Competence in R and/or STATA is essential (A/I)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to communicate in a clear, succinct and engaging manner (T/I)
• Able to independently produce well-focused scientific reviews and to communicate complex information to a range of audiences. (T/I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process: We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Test, further information will be supplied when you reach this stage. Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of competence in R programming. Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications: Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Closing date: Tuesday 12th May 2026

Shortlisting date: Monday 18th May 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 2nd June 2026

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome. If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater. The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact careers@mhra.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk