Head of Epidemiology

We are currently looking for aHead of Epidemiology to join ourScientific Data & Insight Functionwithin theSafety and Surveillance group. This is a pivotal position within MHRA with significant scope to shape and improve the core activities of the agency.

This is a fulltimeopportunity 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.

The group is responsible for delivering robust vigilance processes that can detect monitor and evaluate safety signals across the product lifecycle. This includes the ability to evaluate the risks and benefits balance of signals of concern and to design effective risk mitigations. The Safety and Surveillance Group brings together into a single integrated structure expertise on the safety of all medical products with enforcement capabilities. These functions are supported by the Agencys data and evidence generating capabilities complementing our signal generating abilities delivered via the common vigilance platform SafetyConnect.

The Scientific Data and Insight function plays a key role in support of this mission. Its purpose is to develop and provide expertise to enhance the analytic capabilities of the Safety & Surveillance division. Its activities include supporting the division with epidemiological expertise and assessments identifying and addressing data gaps and developing novel methods for pharmacovigilance. The division also engages in research often in collaboration with external partners and academic institutions. Members of the function regularly publish papers in the scientific literature.

Whats the role

The Head of Epidemiology is central to enable the agency to generate and assess evidence for regulatory decision making. The role holder will be responsible for line managing the epidemiology team. They will also provide thought leadership for the team and the wider agency develop novel approaches and methods and form strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Keyresponsibilities:

• Line management of the Epidemiology Unit with responsibility for ensuring the work of the team is in line with the public health priorities of the Agency and that it is best placed to deliver upon its objectives.
• Working to optimise the capture and use of observational data to support the work of the Agency across the medical product lifecycle.
• Ensuring that epidemiological methods are applied to best effect in the detection of safety signals the assessment of risk management plans and other relevant data the resolution of safety issues and the monitoring of outcomes in the context of medical products.
• Liaising with the Pharmaceutical Industry regarding postauthorisation safety studies and risk management to ensure that such plans are acceptable and relevant for UK use.
• Identifying research needs and developing grant proposals to seek external funding for specific projects.

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill:

• PhD in epidemiology public health statistics or related field (or comparable experience working in those fields)
• Experience in planning and conducting research and disseminating research results in peer reviewed articles.
• Excellent understanding of advanced epidemiological methods.
• Experience of leadership and management.

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Description and Person Specification and contact the vacancy holder

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidatesfind out more here.

• Online application form including questions based on theBehaviour 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.
• 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 theBehaviour 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 candidates having a PhD in epidemiology public health statistics or related field (or comparable experience working in those fields).

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 competencybased answers provided ensure you have read these thoroughly and allowsufficienttime. 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 as soon as possible.

Closing date:21^st April 2025

Shortlisting date: from 22^nd April 2025

Interview date:from 6^th May 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 questionsplease contact

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 availablehere.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and prolife activism checks. People working with government assets must completebasic personnel security standard checks.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be as part of preemployment 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 applicants 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 TaxFree Childcare. Determine your eligibilityhere.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries please contact.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointmenton the basis ofmerit 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 OleylamiHead of Talent Acquisition.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:civilservicecommission.independent

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