Job Advert
About the Organisation:
Public Health Scotland launched 1st April 2020 as a national health board, employing around 1200 people, and with an annual budget of around £101 million. Public Health Scotland wants to see a Scotland where everybody thrives, a Scotland where life expectancy improves and the difference in life expectancy between our poorest and wealthiest areas gets smaller.
The Post:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Health Economist to join the Public Health Science Service (currently within the Evaluation Team). This is a permanent post offering the opportunity to apply economic expertise to real-world public health challenges and contribute to evidence that informs policy, investment and service design across Scotland.
The post holder will lead and deliver a programme of health economics work aligned to Public Health Scotland priorities. This will include undertaking economic analysis, evaluation, and synthesising complex data and evidence, and producing clear, accessible outputs to support decision-making.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to improving population health and reducing health inequalities. You will provide expert health economics advice to support national and local policy, planning and investment decisions, and ensure that findings are communicated effectively to a range of audiences.
The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across Public Health Scotland and with external partners, including Scottish Government, NHS Boards, local authorities, the third sector and academia.
The Candidate:
You will bring strong technical expertise in health economics, with experience of economic evaluation or applied analysis in a relevant setting. You will be confident in working with complex data and evidence, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
You will have well-developed communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences, including non-specialists. Strong interpersonal and partnership working skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively and influence across organisations.
Experience of working in, or alongside, policy or public sector environments is desirable.
Any candidate who has lived/worked overseas for more than 12 months in the preceding 5 years will also be required to provide a criminal record check from the appropriate overseas agency.
If you choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in writing your application, it's essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section. While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced by AI or similar technologies.
Location and Working Pattern:
The post is based in either Gyle Square, Edinburgh or Bothwell Street, Glasgow. We are currently hybrid working; therefore, you will be expected to spend time in both PHS offices as well as the option to work at home.
The work pattern is Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week.
PHS is a flexible employer, and we are happy to discuss requests for alternative working patterns
During times of public health emergency, or other urgent business need, you may be required on a temporary basis to work your normal contracted working hours over 7 days including weekends, in order to meet the needs of the service.
It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with PHS.
Benefits:
Our benefits package includes pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits. Click here to view the full range of the PHS Employee Benefits.
Inclusion:
Public Health Scotland (PHS) is a national NHS board committed to being a diverse, inclusive and welcoming employer. We support a range of flexible working options to help colleagues balance work and personal responsibilities. As an Established Carer Positive employer, we are committed to supporting staff with caring responsibilities and fostering a flexible, understanding workplace culture.
We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support colleagues to grow and thrive. Staff are also welcome to join our active equality networks.
As an equal opportunities and Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, and we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience.
PHS is working towards becoming a trauma informed organisation and recognises that trauma may affect people in different ways, including during the recruitment process.
If you need reasonable adjustments or support, please contact the Recruitment Team on nss.wfrs@nhs.scot
Further Information:
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Jane Ford, Public Health Intelligence Principal at jane.ford3@phs.scot
Closing date for completed applications is Friday 12th June.
Further information on PHS is available from: www.publichealthscotland.scot
Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail only, so please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders).