Job Summary
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Test Analyst to join our Digital directorate. You will work as part of a Programme team to build a new Integrated Research Application and workflow system and to achieve the successful migration and eventual closure of current systems.
Research Systems Transformation Programme aims to deliver a World‑Class Regulatory System for health research in the UK. This programme will build a new Integrated Research Application and Workflow System, designed using a microservices architecture, and oversee the successful migration and closure of existing systems.
Key Elements of This Role
* Wide and complex domain and business knowledge.
* Develop complex test scripts.
* Identify and manage wide and complex defects.
Take a business and an operational view to find solutions to complex problems.
Provide test coverage support for test engineers and software developers.
Come up with functional and non‑functional testing procedures and requirements.
About Us
At the HRA we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where we actively invest in the development and empowerment of our staff, enabling them to perform at their best. We strive to promote a healthy workplace culture where wellbeing, collaboration and professional growth are valued and encouraged.
Working at the HRA, our approach to flexible working is designed to support us all; for many people home‑based or hybrid working provides the most productive environment. We offer home‑based contracts for all locations. Newcastle‑based staff can be office based. For staff based in Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol we can offer hybrid arrangements where possible.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome applications that represent the broad diversity of our community and treat all applicants fairly and consistently.
Date posted
17 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£47,810 to £54,710 a year
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Full‑time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours
Reference number
980‑HRA7684076‑B
Job locations
Nottingham
Equinox House, City Link
NG2 4LA
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
* Quality Assurance
* IT System Testing and Evaluation
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents for full details about this role.
When completing your application, ensure you clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills align with the criteria outlined for this position.
We recognise that generative AI tools can be helpful in supporting applicants during the recruitment process. However, we encourage candidates to use AI responsibly and sparingly. Applications should reflect your authentic voice, personal experiences and genuine qualifications.
Important information: We are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
Applications that do not clearly demonstrate how the essential criteria outlined in the person specification are met will not be shortlisted.
Only the information provided in the application form will be considered. CVs will not be reviewed.
We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies or other third parties.
The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
Our fixed‑term positions are also open to applicants who wish to apply for the role on a secondment basis. Applicants who fit this category should speak with their line manager before applying and visit their organisation’s Secondments Policy.
Organisational structure and directorate overview
The HRA is made up of five directorates: Approvals, Chief Executive, Digital, Policy and Partnerships and Resources.
This role sits within HRA Digital. The digital directorate is responsible for developing, delivering and supporting complex solutions within the HRAs portfolio of UK‑wide information systems for health and care research. This includes a major programme to build new systems, and to achieve the successful migration and eventual closure of current systems. The directorate owns, develops and delivers the HRAs digital strategy in line with government digital and functional standards.
The HRA Digital team is a collaborative, supportive team consisting of HRA employees, secondees, contractors and vendors.
Person Specification
Essential – Qualifications
* Educated to a master's level or equivalent in IS / IT field or portfolio of equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to work at this level.
* Certified in ISTQB Foundation.
Desirable – Qualifications
* Certified in ISTQB Technical Test Analyst.
Essential – Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
* Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of test tools such as Selenium, Playwright.
* Working knowledge of software coding languages e.g. Java, .NET, C#.
Desirable – Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
* Working knowledge of software coding language e.g. Java, .NET, C#.
Essential – Experience
* Experience of working within the test team delivering successful outcomes.
* Practical experience of testing on PEGA and .NET platforms.
Desirable – Experience
* Experience of working as an automated test engineer.
Essential – Analytical and Judgmental Skills
* Lead on the analysis of complex requirements and derive testable scenarios.
Essential – Testing Techniques
* Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of testing techniques.
Essential – Interpersonal Skills
* Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to understand and interpret complex information.
* Written English skills at a level to summarise complex issues into a document.
* Verbal English skills to be able to articulate procedural issues and comprehend complex discussion.
Desirable – Platforms Knowledge
* Extensive knowledge of the platforms such as PEGA, Microsoft.
Essential – Organisation Skills
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty.
Essential – Team Contribution
* Ability to work within and contribute to a high performing team.
Employer details
Health Research Authority
Nottingham
Equinox House, City Link
NG2 4LA
Website: https://www.hra.nhs.uk/
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