Head of Behavioural Science, Helix Centre

Are you a Behavioural Scientist eager to create real-world impact in digital healthcare?

The Helix Centre is seeking a Head of Behavioural Science to lead and grow our applied behavioural science portfolio, shaping interventions that improve prevention, reduce health inequalities and enhance patient safety across the NHS. Working with national and local partners, you will embed behavioural science within interdisciplinary digital health research and translate evidence into solutions that make a lasting difference to people’s lives.

• As the lead for Behavioural Science at the Helix Centre, you will shape applied research and interventions focused on prevention, health inequalities and patient safety.
• Apply behavioural science expertise to national digital prevention programmes, including services delivered through the NHS App, to improve engagement and behaviour change at scale.
• Design and oversee quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research, from study design and public involvement through to analysis and dissemination.
• Work closely with NHS, academic and industry partners to co-design, test and evaluate behaviourally informed digital and service interventions.
• Embed behavioural science across interdisciplinary research programmes, particularly those involving digital health technologies, wearables and data-enabled services.
• Translate evidence into practical, real-world solutions, with a strong focus on implementation and measurable impact.
• Grow the behavioural science portfolio by developing partnerships and securing external funding.
• Line-manage and mentor researchers, supervise PhD students, and build behavioural science capability across Helix.
• Share learning and impact through publications, conferences, teaching and public-facing outputs.

If you’re passionate about embedding behavioural science within co-designed healthcare interventions that deliver read-world impact, this could be the role for you.

• A PhD or equivalent research experience in Behavioural Science, psychology, health sciences, or a related field.
• Experience applying behavioural science to healthcare or public health, including prevention, patient safety, or reducing inequalities.
• Experience of co-design ,co-production, public involvement or related methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor research teams, including supervising PhD students or clinical fellows.
• Strong track record in designing, delivering, and analysing quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research.
• Ability to translate research into practical interventions, digital services, or policy guidance.
• Comfortable collaborating with NHS leaders, academics, industry partners, and the public.
• Experience in applying behavioural science knowledge in a client-service based environment e.g. consulting
• Excellent communication skills, evidenced by high quality record of publications and public-facing outputs

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to lead applied behavioural science programmes with local frontline and national impact, conducting translational research at the intersection of design and health.
• The chance to engage with the full healthcare community, from NHS leaders and clinical teams to patients, the public, and academic experts, supported by Helix’s unique location within a hospital and university setting.
• A role within the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI), where Helix is one of six centres driving co-creation and delivery of healthcare innovation to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
• Opportunities to supervise PhD students, and contribute to postgraduate teaching and curriculum development.
• The chance to shape research, identify new funding opportunities, and grow a portfolio of innovative, evidence-based projects that improve health and healthcare for all
• Professional development within a values-driven and inclusive multi-disciplinary team working to improve health and healthcare for all

Further information

This is a full-time hybrid role for a fixed term of 12 months, though we are open to discussing part time options (min 80% FTE).  You will be based at St. Mary’s Campus (Paddington, London) in accordance with Imperial’s hybrid working policy.

Please apply with a CV and cover letter, and complete the online application form.

Should you require further details on the role please contact leila.shepherd99@imperial.ac.uk.

For more information about the Helix Centre, please visit: https://helixcentre.com/

For more information about the Institute of Global Health innovation, please visit: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/global-health-innovation/

For more information and to apply, following this link.