Description We are currently looking for a Research Assistant to join our Clinical Practice Research Datalink team in the Safety and Surveillance group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract basis until 14 th October 2027. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Who are we? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 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 Safety and Surveillance Group brings together into a single integrated structure devices and medicines safety expertise with enforcement capabilities. These functions will be supported by our data and evidence generating capabilities complementing our signal generating capabilities produced via the new Safety Connect System. Part of the Safety and Surveillance group, The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), with support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is the UK’s preeminent research service providing access to anonymised NHS data for research. In addition to supporting high quality observational research, CPRD has developed world leading services based on using real world data to support clinical trials and interventional studies. What’s the role? The Research Assistant role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the UK Government’s premier data-driven research service and offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the UK Government’s premier data-driven research service. The CPRD Research Assistant will support the delivery of a range of research activities in the CPRD Observational Research team and will play a key role in supporting the CPRD dataset delivery service. Responsibilities include interpreting and summarising approved research protocols to produce data extraction specifications; working closely with CPRD researchers and external clients to finalise project deliverables; partnering with internal teams to deliver analytics of new and existing CPRD data resources and supporting internal and commissioned research studies. Key responsibilities: Interpret and summarise epidemiological research protocols to produce clear and accurate data extraction specifications. Define dataset extraction deliverables including code set definitions, denominator generation and project delivery timelines Service the provision of data extracts in accordance with CPRD’s dataset processing guidelines and standard operating procedures Support CPRD Research Services and people management Who are we looking for? Our successful candidate will: Have sound knowledge of epidemiological research, with experience of applying this in practice, including preparing data specifications from research protocols. Have a degree in Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, Health Economics, Public Health or equivalent related qualification. Have proven ability in processing and/or use of large health care data sets, using R, SQL and/or STATA. Have good organizational skills: capable of planning and managing multiple projects, working under pressure to deliver projects of a high standard and on time; able to work with a high degree of autonomy, knowing when to seek advice. Be self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal accountability, ensuring tasks, projects and issues are appropriately dealt with to their successful delivery or conclusion. Person Specification: Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview, T=Test Behaviour Criteria: Managing a Quality Service (A, I, T) Communicating & Influencing (A, I, T) Working Together (A, I) Experience Criteria: Sound knowledge of epidemiological research, with experience of applying this in practice, including preparing data specifications from research protocols. (A, I, T) Experience in the use of different methods and approaches for manipulating, linking, processing, and extracting data. (A, I) Able to independently produce well-constructed scientific summaries and to explain complex information to a range of audiences. (T) Technical Criteria: A degree in Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, Health Economics, Public Health or equivalent related qualification. (A) Proven ability in processing and/or use of large health care data sets. (A, I) Competence in R, SQL and/or STATA is essential (A, I) Strengths Criteria: Analytical (I) Focused (I) If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk The selection process: We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Test, further information will be supplied when you reach this stage. Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of: competence in R, SQL and/or STATA. Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. Use of AI in Job Applications Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible. Closing date: Friday 20 th March 2026 Shortlisting date: Friday 27 th March 2026 Interview date: Thursday 2 nd April 2026 Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome. If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include: Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here. Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer. Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater. The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer. Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk. In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact careers@mhra.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk info@csc.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ