Principal Epidemiologist
1 day ago
City of London
Job Title: Principal Epidemiologist (SCS1) Organisation: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Salary: £81,000-£117,800 Locations: London, Canary Wharf (hybrid, 60% in the office) Key Benefits: Civil Service pension scheme (28.97% employer contribution), 25 days annual leave (+9 days of Bank Holiday leave) Application Closing Date: 17:00 on Tuesday 10th March Allen Lane is proud to be supporting the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in their search for a permanent Principal Epidemiologist. This is an SCS1 grade position, where you will lead the development and implementation of advanced epidemiological methods to transform how the MHRA identifies, evaluates, and mitigates risks associated with medicines and medical devices. The MHRA 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.1600 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad. This is a strategic role, focused on delivering high-impact, cross-cutting initiatives that have the potential to shape the Agency’s future capabilities. By harnessing real-world data, you will pioneer innovative approaches that strengthen the UK’s regulatory science framework. Operating with significant scientific autonomy, the Principal Epidemiologist will act as a thought leader and methodological innovator - driving forward high-profile projects, advising senior leadership, and contributing to the MHRA’s standing as a global leader in regulatory epidemiology. The role will require building and maintaining strategic partnerships with academic institutions, healthcare organisations, regulators and international bodies, ensuring the Agency’s work is informed by and contributes to the wider scientific and regulatory network. The role reports to the Deputy Director of Scientific Data & Insight. The postholder will represent the MHRA externally in national and international committees, expert working groups, and collaborative initiatives. Whilst it does not include direct line management responsibilities, the postholder is expected to work collaboratively with team members and colleagues across the Agency to achieve shared objectives and maximise the impact of their work. In order to demonstrate your ability to fulfil this role, applicants should be able to demonstrate experience with the following essential criteria within their application: • Doctoral qualification (or equivalent advanced experience) in epidemiology, statistics, or a closely related quantitative discipline., • Extensive expertise in the design, implementation, and critical appraisal of advanced epidemiological and statistical methods, including the ability to innovate, adapt, or extend methodologies to address complex, high-uncertainty regulatory challenges., • Advanced proficiency in programming and computational epidemiology, with expert-level skills in tools such as Python, R, or Stata for handling large, complex, and linked healthcare datasets. Demonstrated commitment to reproducibility, scalability, and transparency in data science., • Demonstrated leadership in solving complex, strategic challenges, using advanced epidemiological methods, with clear impact on regulatory policy, health system strategy, or major public health initiatives., • A strong track record of methodological innovation in epidemiological science, including leading experimental or high-risk/high-reward programmes that advanced the frontiers of regulatory or real-world evidence. ~ Causal inference ~ Dynamic benefit-risk assessment ~ Genetic and molecular epidemiology ~ Machine learning and AI ~ Simulation-based benefit-risk models ~ Systems epidemiology ~ Similar advanced and novel methods ~ Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis • Recognised thought leadership, evidenced by publications, invited keynotes, advisory roles, or leadership of expert working groups, both nationally and internationally., • Proven ability to shape organisational culture and strategic direction, particularly through mentoring, coaching, and fostering innovation., • Extensive experience communicating complex technical and conceptual material with clarity and influence, including to senior decision-makers and multidisciplinary audiences., • A sustained record of high-impact scientific publication, including as first or senior (lead) author in leading peer-reviewed journals., • Deep expertise in the use of real-world data assets, including advanced analytics in a regulatory or public health context. It is imperative that candidates demonstrate the following behaviours for this role: • Seeing the big picture, • Changing and improving, • Communicating and influencing This role is available on a permanent basis; however a loan or secondment would also be feasible. For full details on the role, organisation and personal specification, please review the ___. In order to apply, applicants must submit the following by 17:00 on Tuesday 10th March to . • A CV (no more than 4 pages is advised)., • A statement of suitability (no longer than 1,250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria and Success Profiles in the person specification. This role can be based at MHRA’s location in Canary Wharf, London. MHRA support flexible working, however for this role 2-3 days per week on site should be expected. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be reimbursed. Please note that basic background checks will be undertaken before the postholder commences employment.