Principal Epidemiologist

Organisation: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

Locations: London, Canary Wharf (hybrid, 60% in the office)

Key Benefits: Civil Service pension scheme (28.97% employer contribution), 25 days annual leave (+9 days of Bank Holiday leave)

Final date to receive applications: 17:00 on Tuesday 10th March

Allen Lane is proud to be supporting the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in their search for a permanent Principal Epidemiologist
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This is an SCS1 grade position, where you will lead the development and implementation of advanced epidemiological methods to transform how the MHRA identifies, evaluates, and mitigates risks associated with medicines and medical devices.

The MHRA enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The agency is made up of c.1600 staff working across two main centres and peripathetically across the UK and abroad.

This is a strategic role, focused on delivering high‑impact, cross‑cutting initiatives that have the potential to shape the Agency’s future capabilities. By harnessing real‑world data, you will pioneer innovative approaches that strengthen the UK’s regulatory science framework.

Operating with significant scientific autonomy, the Principal Epidemiologist will act as a thought leader and methodological innovator – driving forward high‑profile projects, advising senior leadership, and contributing to the MHRA’s standing as a global leader in regulatory epidemiology. The role will require building and maintaining strategic partnerships with academic institutions, healthcare organisations, regulators and international bodies, ensuring the Agency’s work is informed by and contributes to the wider scientific and regulatory network.

The role reports to the Deputy Director of Scientific Data & Insight. The postholder will represent the MHRA externally in national and international committees, expert working groups, and collaborative initiatives. Whilst it does not include direct line management responsibilities, the postholder is expected to work collaboratively with team members and colleagues across the Agency to achieve shared objectives and maximise the impact of their work.

• Doctoral qualification (or equivalent advanced experience) in epidemiology, statistics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Extensive expertise in the design, implementation, and critical appraisal of advanced epidemiological and statistical methods, including the ability to innovate, adapt, or extend methodologies to address complex, high‑uncertainty regulatory challenges.
• Advanced proficiency in programming and computational epidemiology, with expert‑level skills in tools such as Python, R, or Stata for handling large, complex, and linked healthcare datasets. Demonstrated commitment to reproducibility, scalability, and transparency in data science.
• Demonstrated leadership in solving complex, strategic challenges, using advanced epidemiological methods, with clear impact on regulatory policy, health system strategy, or major public health initiatives.
• A strong track record of methodological innovation in epidemiological science, including leading experimental or high‑risk/high‑reward programmes that advanced the frontiers of regulatory or real‑world evidence.
• Internationally recognised expertise in at least one of the following domains, with significant influence on practice, policy, or methodological development:
• Genetic and molecular epidemiology
• Machine learning and AI
• Similar advanced and novel methods
• Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis
• Recognised thought leadership, evidenced by publications, invited keynotes, advisory roles, or leadership of expert working groups, both nationally and internationally.
• Proven ability to shape organisational culture and strategic direction, particularly through mentoring, coaching, and fostering innovation.
• Extensive experience communicating complex technical and conceptual material with clarity and influence, including to senior decision‑makers and multidisciplinary…