Health Services Researcher

22.2 Hours per Week (0.6 WTE)

Edinburgh or Glasgow - hybrid working will apply for the foreseeable future.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is an organisation with many parts and one purpose – better quality health and social care for everyone in Scotland. The purpose of the HIS Evidence and Digital Directorate is to provide evidence to improve health and care services for the people of Scotland.

We are seeking to appoint a Health Services Researcher to the Evidence and Digital Directorate’s Research and Information Service (RIS) to work closely with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) to support the development of clinical guidelines. The post can be based in either Glasgow or Edinburgh; however, hybrid working will apply for the foreseeable future.

RIS provides health service research, scientific advice and information science expertise. Through identifying, appraising and synthesising evidence, it delivers and supports innovation, research and best practice in the development, mobilisation and delivery of HIS evidence outputs. RIS collaborates with external and internal stakeholders, to establish supportive relationships and ongoing mutual working arrangements with wider organisational teams, other researchers and information scientists.

The post-holder will require to have a degree in a numerate, social science or biomedical discipline and a master’s degree in in a relevant subject, such as public health, health services research, social research, or health care science. Specialist knowledge of one or more areas of research methodology is required, such as the analysis and use of quantitative data, critical appraisal or qualitative research. The post holder requires a good understanding of a wide range of other health services research skills, including qualitative research methods, questionnaire development, statistical analysis and epidemiology.

Strong conceptual and analytical skills, a demonstrable ability to analyse and synthesise complex technical data and information, as well as highly developed IT skills are required. The post holder will need to possess highly developed skills in written and oral communication, project management, problem solving and organisation. Very well developed and collaborative team working skills are required as well as the ability to work flexibly, deal with and prioritise a varied and demanding workload. The following would also be desirable: experience of writing papers for publication and undertaking systematic reviews of published evidence.

The post holder may also be required to undertake evidence summary and topic scoping work, to support the wider Evidence and Digital directorate work within HIS. We are looking for someone who can bring relevant knowledge and experience and who can make an immediate contribution to the team.

For informal enquiries about the post, please contact Dr Heather Gray - heather.gray4@nhs.scot

Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 2 November 2025.

(Interviews are expected to take place on 20 November 2025)

To view job pack & apply online please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

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