Job Description

Are you a proactive and enthusiastic individual with experience in health technology assessment (HTA), health policy development, guideline development, or health economics and outcomes research? Do you want to lead research projects addressing policy and methods issues that have a major impact on how NICE works?
We have a vacancy for a fixed term (maternity cover) Scientific Adviser in NICE's Research team. The team has established a wide and growing portfolio of research projects to develop improved methods for health technology assessment and guideline development. Our portfolio includes collaborative national and international projects such as ERA4TB, IDERHA, AD-RIDDLE, PREDICTOM, EDiHTA, READI, SUSTAIN-HTA, SYNTHIA, ASSESS DHT and a project funded by the Wellcome Trust.
The post holder will initially work on multiple research projects focused on novel screening and diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (e.g. AD-RIDDLE and PREDICTOM) and will also contribute to future research proposals. The team adopts a flexible approach, meaning that the specific tasks assigned to the post-holder may change in response to business needs, providing opportunity to learn about a wide range of hot topics in health technology assessment such as the use of real-world evidence, AI, synthetic data, and the evaluation of digital health technologies.
Main duties of the job
The Scientific Advisers within the Research team are responsible for a range of activities, including:

• Conducting research, analysing data and disseminating findings in collaboration with partners in the UK and internationally.
• Developing NICE responses to science policy issues. Typically, a policy response is needed when new research findings, or new policy decisions by government or regulators, mean that NICE's policies or methods require updating.
• Working with colleagues across NICE to identify and prioritise areas where methodological research is needed.
• Working with colleagues across NICE to encourage the implementation and adoption of research findings in NICE's methods and processes.
• Developing applications for research funding in collaboration with partners in the UK and internationally.
• Engaging with stakeholders and partner organisations.

About us
The Science Evidence and Analytics (SEA) Directorate is responsible for ensuring that NICE uses the best available evidence in its guidance to support health and care decision makers across health and care. The Research team sits within SEA, with a remit to support the whole Institute. The programme undertakes methods research and works with and influences external policy partners on scientific and research issues related to the work of NICE. The team works to develop NICE's methods and encourages partners to commission research relevant to the work of NICE.
We can offer you a great place to work with good benefits, flexible working, and a supportive, friendly, and inclusive environment. We offer a range of benefits including:

• NHS pension scheme which is one of the most generous in the UK.
• We promote flexible working to help staff achieve a healthy work life balance including work from home, compressed hours and flexi start/finish times.
• Access to a Blue Light Card which includes a wide range of discounts from major retailers, restaurants and more.
• Holiday entitlement which starts from 27 days plus Bank Holidays
• Access to modern offices with showers, bike storage facilities and refreshments such as tea and coffee.
• Access to Staff Networks including Disability Advocacy and Wellbeing Network, Women In NICE, Race Equality Network, NICE and Proud, Eco-NICE, Change Agent Network.

Details
Date posted
18 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8b
Salary
64,455 to 74,896 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
14 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
907-818
Job locations
3rd Floor
3 Piccadilly Place
Manchester
M1 3BN
Job description
Job responsibilities
To be considered for this role, you should be able to particularly demonstrate the person specification criteria in the job advert in your application. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate all essential criteria through the entirety of the recruitment process to be considered for the job.
Please see job description attached for full list of responsibilities. Job description
Job responsibilities
To be considered for this role, you should be able to particularly demonstrate the person specification criteria in the job advert in your application. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate all essential criteria through the entirety of the recruitment process to be considered for the job.
Please see job description attached for full list of responsibilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Doctorate (or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through experience and training/development) and further specialist training in the field of one or more of the following: health outcomes research, health policy, health economics, medical statistics, epidemiology, or another relevant health-related discipline

Experience
Essential

• Experience in the health technology assessment of screening and/or diagnostic tests

Experience
Desirable

• Experience in conducting methods research and disseminating findings

Experience
Essential

• Experience of collaborative research and/or policy project work with national or international health system partners

Skills
Essential

• Ability to identify, critically appraise, analyse and synthesise highly complex evidence and present it clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing

Skills
Essential

• Ability to effectively lead complex research and/or policy projects and deliver work of a high standard with conflicting and demanding deadlines

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Doctorate (or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through experience and training/development) and further specialist training in the field of one or more of the following: health outcomes research, health policy, health economics, medical statistics, epidemiology, or another relevant health-related discipline

Experience
Essential

• Experience in the health technology assessment of screening and/or diagnostic tests

Experience
Desirable

• Experience in conducting methods research and disseminating findings

Experience
Essential

• Experience of collaborative research and/or policy project work with national or international health system partners

Skills
Essential

• Ability to identify, critically appraise, analyse and synthesise highly complex evidence and present it clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing

Skills
Essential

• Ability to effectively lead complex research and/or policy projects and deliver work of a high standard with conflicting and demanding deadlines

Skills Required