Economist in London

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

We are currently looking for an Economist to join our Innovative Devices within the Health Quality and Access group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a 12 month fixed term contract, internal move, loan or temporary promotion basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. 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.

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 Innovation and Compliance (I&C) group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which balances innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into four sub-groups: Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Standards and Compliance and Innovative Devices. The Innovative Devices function works to provide pre-market support and facilitates a smooth passage to market access. This is particularly aimed at innovative products across MedTech, diagnostics and digital, or where there is higher associated risk. The function will ensure that the UK has supply of new and advancing medical devices to include software as a medical device, novel implantables and diagnostics and play a significant role in developing the new Regulatory Framework for Medical Devices, including implementation and operation of specific services.

What’s the role? This role would suit an economist with experience of undertaking impact assessments for statutory instruments and bills, preferably on a health topic; health economics and/or government regulation and policy making. This role will help the MHRA to pursue our ambitious legislative reform programme, intended to protect UK public health whilst also encouraging innovation in the medicines and devices industries, through assisting policy teams involved in the delivery and consideration of public consultations and the use of secondary legislation. The post holder may also provide supporting analytical work for the MHRA’s Spending Review bid and our ongoing work on reviewing and updating the MHRA fee structure.

In conducting day to day work, the role needs to apply the Rationale, Objectives, Appraisal, Monitoring, Evaluation and Feedback (ROAMEF) principles in a way that goes beyond merely providing analysis to satisfy external scrutiny, but that actively helps the Agency to make better policy decisions.

• Lead economic analysis for the MHRA’s decisions on planned legislative changes, through assisting in the design and interpretation of public consultations.
• Provide economic analysis and support to colleagues who are designing regulations, preparing Spending Review bids, or examining other policy areas such as fees.
• Lead on Impact Assessments, Options Assessments, Post-Implementation Reviews and Regulatory Triage Assessments.
• Ensure evidence-based policymaking is embedded throughout the MHRA, including making sure that colleagues are drawing upon the most relevant data and evidence.

Our successful candidate will:

• Collaborate with colleagues by showing how their work benefits patients, the public, and stakeholders.
• Be able to communicate complex information clearly and sensitively and use persuasion when necessary, including to non-analyst audiences.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and encourage ongoing learning and development, promoting economic analysis across the Agency.
• Demonstrate competency in delivering analysis at pace, including at short-notice request, drawing on limited or imperfect data where necessary.
• Have experience in successfully managing complex economic analysis (mandatory).

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

• Working Together - actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives (A,I)
• Communicating and Influencing - explain complex issues in a way that is easy to understand (A,I)
• Delivering at Pace - actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives (A,I)
• Changing and Improving - consider the full impact of implementing changes on culture, structure, morale and the impacts on the diverse range of end users, including accessibility needs (A,I)

• Experience of applying economic tools and techniques, and synthesising evidence from a range of sources, as appropriate. (A)
• Proven track record of collaborating across organisational boundaries and building effective relationships to enable the delivery of highly impactful analytical projects (A)
• It would be desirable to have experience of health economics and/or Government regulation and policy making. (A)

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in economics or equivalent experience developed through previous roles.
• A 2:1 undergraduate economics (at least 50% of modules in economics) degree or a 2:2 plus a Masters/PhD in straight economics. (A)
• Membership of the Government Economic Service, or be able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements. (A)

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.

Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

For Lead: In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Experience of applying economic tools and techniques, and synthesising evidence from a range of sources, as appropriate. 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: 26th May 2026

Shortlisting date: from 27th May 2026

Interview date: week commencing 8th June 2026

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. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

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 info@csc.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ