The HRA is a Non Departmental Public Body with the remit to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. We do this by supporting and promoting a robust and efficient regulatory and governance framework in the UK. We provide the Research Ethics Service (RES), Confidentiality Advice function, assessments and assurances on behalf of the NHS, and learning, guidance and advice for the research community. Our ambition is to make the UK a great place to do research, where more money invested in research goes into carrying out relevant, good quality research. Our purpose is to ensure that research involving NHS patients and members of the public is approved through a proportionate and robust system, that they are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and that their opportunity to do so is maximised by simplifying the processes by which high quality research is assessed. We have already delivered significant improvements by centralising and simplifying the approval of research in the NHS in England, and are undertaking a range of significant programmes to deliver further improvements., Quality Assurance and Testing is an important part of the delivery of digital systems within the Health Research Authority. We have a team of skilled test professionals who make sure quality is delivered in the most effective way. We are looking to add automation engineering skills to our existing team as we value automating as much of the test effort as possible allowing our team of specialists to undertake better evaluations of the overall product set. As a Test Engineer, you will create and drive the automated test engineering approach within the Research Systems Programme working closely with the Head of Test and other colleagues in the Agile development team. You will determine and implement automation approaches to assure, measure and build quality into every phase of the software life cycle. This involves developing or enhancing automation frameworks that help deliver scalable tests which are faster, frequent, and continuous. Job also involves performing manual testing where automation is not suitable., You will: + Identify new and implement existing test automation frameworks + Work on both functional and non-functional areas of complex system(s) built with multiple technologies (Microsoft, PEGA etc) + Identify and raise awareness of defects, issues, risks arising from the automation test results + Be proficient in a range of coding languages (C#, .Net, Java, JavaScript, Node, React, typescript etc) + Work closely with members of Agile team + Collaborate with senior test analysts, business to make sure the required business scenarios are covered in the test scripts + Carry out system, integration and user acceptance testing using manual and automated techniques + Lead on change impact assessment of all changes ensuring that test coverage mitigates any impact to external stakeholders + Work with the HRA's User Acceptance Team representatives and external users to perform acceptance testing of HRA software system changes + Manage own work within the timelines agreed + Duties above are not an exhaustive list. The applicant will be expected to perform their duties as per ISTQB best practices (automation & manual)Working for our organisation As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that help us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community. This includes:

• age
• disability
• ethnicity
• gender identity and expression
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation
• other diverse characteristics
We have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process. When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement - if it works for you, we'll do our best to make it work for us. Please note, if applying to our Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol locations, we are only able to offer the role as home based.

This role sits within HRA Digital. The digital directorate is responsible for developing, delivering and supporting complex solutions within the HRA's 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 HRA Digital team is a collaborative, supportive team consisting of HRA employees, secondees, contractors and vendors. To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached. In submitting your application with us, please note the following: · We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies. · We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement. · Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.