Overview

We are currently looking for an Infrastructure Operations Engineer to join our Clinical Practice Research Datalink team in the Safety and Surveillance group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent contract basis. 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.

Attendance expectations: Government departments and agencies are working towards a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 4 days per month on site to enable collaboration with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site can flex up to 8 days a month depending on business needs; the remainder may be remote or in the office. Some roles may require more frequent on-site presence.

Who are we? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves the health of millions through regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The Safety and Surveillance Group brings together devices and medicines safety expertise with enforcement capabilities, supported by data- and evidence-generating capabilities through the Safety Connect System. The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), part of the Safety and Surveillance group and supported by NIHR, is the UK’s preeminent research service providing access to anonymised NHS data for research—supporting high-quality observational research and real-world data to support clinical trials and interventional studies.

Role

The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the UK Government’s premier data-driven health research service. The post holder will have Azure administration experience to support and maintain the core Azure-based infrastructure that underpins CPRD’s interventional and observational research services platforms. The post holder will prepare and support CPRD’s infrastructure IT operations solutions and services by applying industry best practices, standards, service requirements, and KPIs throughout the product life cycle. Responsibilities include creating and maintaining documentation, performing routine tasks according to processes and checklists, monitoring infrastructure and applications, and alerting and taking appropriate action. Specific duties include:

• Maintain the effective operation of CPRD's research IT systems.
• Develop and implement IT service improvements.
• Manage incidents and resolve problems.
• Liaise with service providers and partners.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in computer science, IT, or a related discipline, or professional qualifications such as ITIL Foundation.
• Hands-on experience maintaining Azure service components to meet business needs and performance targets.
• Aware of routine configuration, installation, and reconfiguration of IT systems, optimizing performance, scripting, and forecasting resource needs.
• Aware of investigating problems in systems, processes, and services, determining remedies, and implementing preventative measures.
• Aware of implementing changes based on requests for change and applying change control procedures.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Personnel security checks apply for government assets. Some roles require vaccinations and/or health surveillance as applicable.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: £36,395 plus £10,543 contribution towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Benefits include:

• Annual Leave: 25 days on entry, rising to 30 with service, plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time).
• Privilege Leave: 1 day.
• Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time), pro-rata for part-time.
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay / one month half pay on entry, increasing with service.
• Mobility: Mobility clause allowing placement across the Civil Service.
• Flexible working, season ticket or bike loan, employee assistance, and access to Civil Service Benevolent Fund, CSMA, clubs, and learning opportunities.

How to Apply / Selection Process

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess candidates. Online application form includes questions based on Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Applications are CV blind; hiring managers cannot access CVs. Presentations may be required at interview, with further information provided later. Interview may include questions based on Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Profiles.

Initial sift may be based on lead criteria: Hands-on experience maintaining secure configuration and controlling Azure assets in one or more significant areas. Candidates are assessed on mandatory requirements and role-related skills and experience. Please review the competencies in the job description.

Notes on applicants and policy elements:

• Use of AI in applications: all submissions must be factually accurate and truthful.
• Pre-employment checks include disclosure and barring checks and basic personnel security standard checks for government assets.
• Vaccinations or health surveillance may be required for certain roles (listed categories).
• Internal Fraud Database (IFD) checks may apply to successful interviewees; prior fraud-related dismissals may affect eligibility.

Nationality and Eligibility

Eligible nationalities include UK nationals, NI/EEA/Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status (EUSS) or eligible status, and other specified categories. For details, see the job description and related guidance.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code outlines the standards of behaviour. We recruit by merit on fair competition, with Diversity and Inclusion initiatives including Disability Confident and Redeployment schemes. We offer flexible working and a range of employee benefits.