Behavioural Science Practitioner

Behavioural Science Practitioner

Closing date: 23 August 2026

Salary: £37,280 - £41,771 per annum, pro rata.

Role summary

You’ll be working in the Public Health Behavioural Science Unit, supporting the design, delivery and evaluation of public health programmes using the application of behavioural science principles and evidence-based approaches.

Collaborating with internal teams and external partners, you will be embedding these approaches within policy, strategy and service delivery. This includes supporting the development of interventions, contributing to research outputs and communicating findings to a range of stakeholders.

You’ll be focussing on understanding behaviours that influence health outcomes, translating insights into practical, targeted interventions that improve population health and reduce inequalities across Somerset and the communities that we support.

You’ll be playing a key role in optimising health outcomes through influencing practice to ensure that services are properly designed to deliver effective support for behaviour change.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Influence work with partners and providers to reinforce the adoption of behavioural science approaches.
• Manage technical, research and administration activities that support the planning, implementation and evaluation of behavioural science initiatives.
• Support the development of interventions across Somerset Council business areas to optimise programme delivery and key outcomes.
• Lead on and contribute to the writing of high-quality reports, gathering evidence from a variety of sources.
• Lead on the critical appraisal of behavioural science evidence to identity specific drivers.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

• Experience of using a variety of behavioural science tools and approaches.
• Experience of conducting literature reviews and writing up research findings.
• Knowledge of research and evaluation methods, with experience in critically appraising research and using quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Educated to a minimum of Masters degree level in a behavioural science discipline.
• Well-developed written, presentation and report writing skills, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good partnership working skills, with experience of building and maintaining productive relationships.
• UK Driving licence or be able to travel across Somerset when required.
• Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).

Additional Information  

• This is a part-time position working 29.6 hours per week.

• 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays) pro rata

• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship
• Job description: AU1151 Behavioural Science Practitioner.pdf
• All applicants must submit a supporting statement. CV-only applications may be rejected.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Lesley Lewis, Behavioural Science Specialist, via email at lesley.lewis@somerset.gov.uk.