We are currently looking for a Senior Researcher to join our Clinical Practice Research Datalink team in the Safety and Surveillance group.
This is a part-time (0.8 FTE) opportunity, on a 18-month fixed term contract, internal move, loan or temporary promotion 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 enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
The Safety and Surveillance Group brings together into a single integrated structure devices and medicines safety expertise with enforcement capabilities. These functions will be supported by our data and evidence generating capabilities complementing our signal generating capabilities produced via the new Safety Connect System.
Part of the Safety and Surveillance group, The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), with support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is the UK’s preeminent research service providing access to anonymised NHS data for research. In addition to supporting high quality observational research, CPRD has developed world leading services based on using real world data to support clinical trials and interventional studies.
What’s the role?
The Senior Researcher will apply their epidemiological, statistical and leadership expertise to lead the development and delivery of a new research database, as a core CPRD data asset, for use in observational and interventional research and wider CPRD services and strategic priorities. Working with other observational research team members and data scientists, the post-holder will coordinate delivery of this cross-team project and take responsibility for key decisions on data design. They will lead on characterising and validating refined versions of the research database, assessing and monitoring data quality via application of relevant metrics; developing algorithms to add value to the data; and providing authoritative advice to academic, commercial and regulatory stakeholders on using the new CPRD research database.
We are seeking a responsible individual with experience of leading and publishing epidemiological research using large observational health datasets to join our organisation. You will have excellent organisational, analytical and communications skills, knowledge of information governance relating to health data, and experience of data management and analysis using R software and working knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
Key responsibilities:
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will:
Have a PhD or equivalent experience, in epidemiology, medical statistics or a related discipline.
Ensure delivery of timely quality outcomes, through providing the right resources to do the job, reviewing and adjusting performance expectations and rewarding success.
Actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives.
Have a track record in publishing epidemiological research analysing large electronic health records databases, and familiarity with research using primary care data.
Have in depth understanding of challenges involved in managing and using electronic health records in public health research, and experience using R.
Person Specification:
Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation
Behaviour Criteria:
Experience Criteria:
Track record in publishing epidemiological research analysing large electronic health records databases. (A, I)
Experience in data characterisation and developing tools to add value to, or analyse, complex datasets. (A, I)
Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience in presenting research, writing study protocols, and drafting strategic papers and manuscripts for publication. (A, I)
Technical Criteria:
PhD, or equivalent experience, in epidemiology, medical statistics or a related discipline. (A, I, T)
Excellent knowledge of epidemiological and statistical techniques and study design. (A, I, T)
In depth understanding of the challenges involved in using electronic health records in public health research, including the use of R and/or Stata. Familiarity with research using primary care data. (A, I, T)
Knowledge of regulation and governance of using electronic health records for research within the English and devolved administration’s legal, ethical and governance environments. (I, T)
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.
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: In depth understanding of the challenges involved in using electronic health records in public health research, including the use of R and/or Stata. Familiarity with research using primary care data.
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
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Closing date: Friday 28 th August 2026
Shortlisting date: Monday 7 th September 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 23 rd September 2026
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 .
Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.
Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.
The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.
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 [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
[email protected]
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