Behavioural Scientist

Job Summary

We are seeking a Behavioural Scientist who will work 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). They will support the BSIU in delivering behavioural and social science expertise to inform UKHSA's health protection and health security priorities.

Specifically, this Behavioural Scientist role will provide support to the BSIU Behavioural Science Team Leaders to provide robust, expert advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on all matters relating to behavioural and social science in support of the all-hazards activities of the organisation.

They will be expected to conduct applied research and evaluation projects, utilising qualitative and quantitative methodologies, applying theoretical models and frameworks appropriate to the context of the work. 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 postholder to work as part of an integrated team with multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Job Description

The Behavioural Scientist will join a team designing/conducting/evaluating applied behavioural research projects using a range of qualitative/quantitative methodologies including rapid research and community engagement activities during public health incidents/outbreaks. They will support the analysis and interpretation of data, undertake evidence reviews and literature syntheses, and provide timely, evidence-based advice to support operational/strategic decision-making.

The BSIU also designs and delivers behavioural and communication-based interventions informed by research findings, community insights and established behavioural science frameworks. They will lead or contribute to projects, prepare high-quality reports, presentations/publications and ensure all work is delivered to robust scientific and professional standards.

The role will require the development and maintenance of effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues across UKHSA/government departments/local authorities/academic partners and other external organisations. They will facilitate collaboration, support stakeholder engagement activities, and help identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and maximise the impact of behavioural science across the organisation.

Stakeholder Management

• Support the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders attending meetings, networks etc. as appropriate to role
• Establish and maintain links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or Department
• Develop, implement and maintain a strategy for prioritising our work with those stakeholders who we rely on to achieve shared goals
• Deal with at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day-to-day workload referring/escalating to line management as appropriate

Management and Leadership

• Act as a role model adhering to team professional standards
• Support the development of policies and protocols for use within the BSIU/department
• Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed
• Support and contribute to the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement
• Support/lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager
• Hold delegated responsibility for designated budget in respect of the delivery of appropriate project
• To take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project team

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

The Behavioural Scientist will join a team designing/conducting/evaluating applied behavioural research projects using a range of qualitative/quantitative methodologies including rapid research and community engagement activities during public health incidents/outbreaks. They will support the analysis and interpretation of data, undertake evidence reviews and literature syntheses, and provide timely, evidence-based advice to support operational/strategic decision-making.

The BSIU also designs and delivers behavioural and communication-based interventions informed by research findings, community insights and established behavioural science frameworks. They will lead or contribute to projects, prepare high-quality reports, presentations/publications and ensure all work is delivered to robust scientific and professional standards.

The role will require the development and maintenance of effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues across UKHSA/government departments/local authorities/academic partners and other external organisations. They will facilitate collaboration, support stakeholder engagement activities, and help identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and maximise the impact of behavioural science across the organisation.

Stakeholder Management

• Support the development of key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders attending meetings, networks etc. as appropriate to role
• Establish and maintain links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or Department
• Develop, implement and maintain a strategy for prioritising our work with those stakeholders who we rely on to achieve shared goals
• Deal with at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day-to-day workload referring/escalating to line management as appropriate

Management and Leadership

• Act as a role model adhering to team professional standards
• Support the development of policies and protocols for use within the BSIU/department
• Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed
• Support and contribute to the development of joint plans and system wide priorities for public health action or improvement
• Support/lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager
• Hold delegated responsibility for designated budget in respect of the delivery of appropriate project
• To take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project team

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

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 and equivalent relevant experience; or substantial relevant experience
• Experience in qualitative research methods in the behavioural/social sciences (e.g. thematic analysis of qualitative research data using Nvivo or other software)
• Quantitative research experience in behavioural/social science (e.g. multivariate statistical analysis)
• Experience in creating formal reports and scientific publications
• Effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear messages accurately for a range of audiences
• Proven ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales

Desirable Criteria

• 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
• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing demands
• Experience of internet-based search technology for behavioural and social science research, and of conducting bibliographic searching and systematic reviews

Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 2nd October 2026

To obtain further details and apply, visit GOV.UK