We are currently looking for a Senior Epidemiologist to join our Scientific Data & Insight Function within 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.
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 central mission of the Safety & Surveillance portfolio is to protect the public by appropriately identifying, assessing and managing the risks associated with medical products. In every aspect of this work, we harness the best science, technology, information and professional practice to protect patients in new and impactful ways.
The Scientific Data & Insight function is responsible for developing expertise in house to deliver evidence to underpin regulatory science. Quality and speed of regulatory decision making is dependent on having access to high-quality, representative data in a timely fashion but also being able to access and analyse in house data and information in the most effective way.
What’s the role?
The Senior Epidemiologist will provide advice on, and assessment of, statistical and epidemiological aspects of real-world evidence regarding the benefits and risks of medicines and medical devices. They will conduct research using observational data sources, primarily through the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, to inform regulatory decision-making. The Senior Epidemiologist will take on a leadership role, includes contributing to policy decisions and assisting with training and development.
Key responsibilities:
- Work with scientific assessors to address emerging safety signals and risk-benefit evaluations.
- Identify novel methods and apply them in high-impact epidemiological studies to support regulatory decision-making in safety evaluation.
- Provide leadership in mentoring and coaching staff, fostering skills development within the Epidemiology team.
- Lead strategic efforts to shape national and international regulatory frameworks, particularly in the application of real-world data throughout the product lifecycle.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will have:
- Established leadership in epidemiological research studies, with a demonstrable expert-level knowledge of relevant statistical and epidemiological methodologies to ensure scientific rigour.
- Demonstrated impact on strategic direction regarding the use of real-world observational healthcare data.
- Proven track record of publishing research in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.
- Postgraduate qualification in statistics/epidemiology (or with a major statistical component) or equivalent advanced experience, with demonstrable expertise and specialisation in epidemiological research and statistical analysis applied to healthcare settings.
- Expertise in using advanced software and statistical tools (such as R or STATA) for complex data analysis. A proven ability to work with large-scale real-world observational health data ensuring efficient data management and analysis in a fast-paced regulatory or research focused environment.
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
Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being 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: Postgraduate qualification in statistics/epidemiology (or with a major statistical component) or equivalent advanced experience.
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
Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Closing date: 21 July 2025
Shortlisting date: 22 July 2025
Interview date: From 30 July 2025
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 [email protected]
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.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].
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 Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition, [email protected].
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
Civil Service Commission
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About Us
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 agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.
The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.
