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Senior representatives from UK local government and public and voluntary sectors

Closing date

22 May 2024

Reference number: PHCSA/24/03

Our Public Health Research (PHR) Programme is looking for senior representatives from UK local government and relevant public and voluntary sector organisations to join its Population Health Career Scientist Awards (PHCSA) Funding Committee. 

This opportunity is for senior professionals currently active in one or more of the following areas:

  • local government
  • other public sector organisations
  • voluntary and community sector organisations

We are particularly interested to hear from individuals with experience in social policy, housing, education policy and an understanding of the wider determinants of health.

About the Population Health Career Scientist Awards Funding Committee

The Population Health Career Scientist Award Funding Committee’s role is to support the identification of the next generation of public health research leaders.

The PHCSA is a personal award to enable senior researchers to make the next step to Reader/Professor level in their host institutions. There is an expectation that the research supported through this award will be of importance and relevance to local government and there is a desire to attract applicants from a wide range of disciplines.

About the role

As a member of the NIHR Population Health Career Scientist Award Funding Committee, you will help to support emerging public health leaders and commission research of the utmost importance to the wider determinants of health.

The term of office is normally three years starting from August 2024. Committee members are required to score and comment on applications in August, ahead of the shortlisting process, which is attended by Chairs and deputies. The Committee meets virtually for interviews which take place over 1-2 days in early December.

Applications are considered in terms of the person, the training and development arrangements, the project and the public involvement plans.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for applicants with the following experience:

Essential

Applicants must have:

  • relevant public health background
  • knowledge and understanding of the importance of, and need for public health research
  • current or recent experience of working in or with the UK public health sector at a senior level
  • experience at a senior level in their field of expertise
  • relevant professional qualifications and registrations
  • work-based or professional knowledge or experience relevant to the remit of the programme
  • experience / understanding of influencing the wider determinants of health

Applicants must be able to:

  • understand, review and summarise information from long documents
  • confidently and constructively take part in meetings and group discussions
  • clearly communicate and share feedback and thoughts
  • use a computer-based management information system and be computer literate

How to apply

Read our guidance about becoming a committee member to find out more about the role. When you are ready you can then apply for the role using our online form. In the form you will be asked questions about yourself and your experience and will be able to upload any documents to support your application. Applications close on 22 May 2024.

If your application is successful you may be invited to observe a committee meeting before your tenure begins.

If you have any questions about this opportunity or would like any support with your application, please email us at phr@nihr.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture by having committees and panels that are made up of diverse skills and experiences. We will work with you to make reasonable adjustments to remove any barriers during the application process. If you have any access needs or require any support throughout the application process, please let us know. If appointed, we will also work with you to identify adjustments to carry out the role. We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.

After you have applied you will receive an email from our Equality and Diversity Recording System, asking you to complete an anonymous equality monitoring form. We monitor all applicants’ data carefully in line with our privacy policy