Behavioural Scientist

Any UKHSA Core Office – Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London
Job Summary
This role will involve working as part of the Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), an all – hazards, responsive team within the Science Group at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Specifically, this Behavioural Scientist role will contribute to the research programme of the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Emergency Preparedness and Response. The post holder will be expected to conduct applied research and evaluation projects, utilise qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and apply theoretical models and frameworks from the behavioural sciences. The BSIU also work in support of the public health incident and emergency response functions of the organisation and will play a role in supporting UKHSA’s role as a Category 1 response organisation, through the provision of rapid behavioural science-related evidence synthesis and advice. This role will therefore require expertise in the behavioural and social sciences and will require the post holder to work as part of an integrated team with multidisciplinary stakeholders. This post may require security clearance.
The UKHSA Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), provides subject matter expertise and leadership in the application of behavioural science to health protection and security. The BSIU provides expert advice and undertakes a range of research activities to support UKHSA teams and external partners to develop and evaluate evidence informed advice, guidance, behavioural interventions, and risk communication strategies.
Job Description
Your key responsibilities will include:

• Implement and use a range of research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all behavioural and social science-related activities, including the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• Work with other members of the team to identify, evaluate and adapt new research methodologies where necessary and appropriate, and to ensure that the projects operate to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Use literature review methodologies to rapidly identify and synthesise relevant theory and research to provide timely response to queries with a behavioural science and insights focus.
• Support day to day management of engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including across UKHSA, other Government Departments, Local Authorities, Academic partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Design and deliver behavioural and communication-based interventions (informed by community engagement, rapid research and appropriate theoretical approaches), to assist with the all-hazards work of UKHSA, and the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• To provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and to lead on preparation of presentations and publications.
• Undertake work in accordance with UKHSA’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• Undertake line management responsibilities as agreed.
• In line with other responsibilities, perform any other tasks assigned or objectives set by the line manager commensurate with the grade.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Implement and use a range of research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all behavioural and social science-related activities, including the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• Work with other members of the team to identify, evaluate and adapt new research methodologies where necessary and appropriate, and to ensure that the projects operate to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Use literature review methodologies to rapidly identify and synthesise relevant theory and research to provide timely response to queries with a behavioural science and insights focus.
• Support day to day management of engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including across UKHSA, other Government Departments, Local Authorities, Academic partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Design and deliver behavioural and communication-based interventions (informed by community engagement, rapid research and appropriate theoretical approaches), to assist with the all-hazards work of UKHSA, and the delivery of the Emergency Preparedness and Response HPRU workplan.
• To provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and to lead on preparation of presentations and publications.
• Undertake work in accordance with UKHSA’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• Undertake line management responsibilities as agreed.
• In line with other responsibilities, perform any other tasks assigned or objectives set by the line manager commensurate with the grade.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person specification
Essential Criteria

• First Degree in the behavioural or social science (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.).
• PhD in the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.), or MSc in the behavioural sciences and significant equivalent relevant experience.
• Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis).
• Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software).
• Experience in creating formal reports and scientific publications.
• Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in the following areas: organizing meetings and workshops; presenting at national / international conferences.
• Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences.
• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands.
• Proven ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, disciplines and organisations demonstrating respect and consideration for the role/ skill(s) of others.
• Proficiency in the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods in a health research context.
• Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
• Postgraduate research experience (or equivalent) in one or more of the following areas: operational and/or psychological research applied to public health and/or health protection; coordination of (qualitative and/or quantitative) data collection projects; participant recruitment and study management; specific knowledge of psychological theory and/or approaches in behavioural science; experience and understanding of evaluating and measuring the performance of health services.

Alongside your salary of £40,661, UK Health Security Agency contributes £11,779 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.
Stage 1 – Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 16 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• Up to 1500 word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
Longlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• PhD in the behavioural sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, sociology, behavioural economics etc.), or MSc in the behavioural sciences and significant equivalent relevant experience.

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)
You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.
Behaviours, technical, experience and ability will be tested at interview.
The Behaviour\’s Tested During The Interview Stage Will Be

• Working Together (lead)
• Making effective decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Developing Self and Others

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ\’s. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month). Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.
To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you.
An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.
This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:
Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: Intelligence (AI)
Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.
Organisation info
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth – will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.
International Police Check
If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
This role may also require Security Check (SC) clearance, if this is required, for meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC) clearance.UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact

• Name : Harry McCullagh
• Email :

Recruitment team

• Email :

Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: #J-18808-Ljbffr