Bioinformatician (Information Analyst Specialist)

Public Health Wales; Wales; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A national public health agency in Wales is seeking a Bioinformatics professional to support genomic diagnostics and data analysis. Key responsibilities include developing software systems, managing outbreak investigations, and contributing to research efforts. The role requires a scientific degree, strong analytical and communication skills, and experience with data handling. Flexibility is essential as the role may involve project-based work and responding to urgent queries. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within the public health sector.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Commitment to personal development

Qualifications

• A first degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
• Postgraduate qualification in public health, bioinformatics, or related.
• Experience working with large or complex data sets.

Responsibilities

• Develop new bioinformatics systems and expand existing ones.
• Prepare materials for publication and assist in quality assurance.
• Support field investigations of outbreaks and public health emergencies.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical software (Python, SQL, R)

Analytical skills

Communication

IT skills

Education

First degree in a scientific discipline

Postgraduate qualification in public health or related

Tools

Data visualization software

Databases

Job description

PLEASE NOTE: There are two posts available, one permanent position and one 18 month only fixed term position to cover a secondment. At interview you will be asked which post you are interested in, or your order of preference if both.

PenGU Bioinformatics is the software development and analysis support arm of the Microbiology Division. Itsupports genomic diagnostics, bespoke software development, genomics surveillance of communicable disease and infections in Wales, andprovides support for Health Protection Teamsin outbreak investigation and control, provides health intelligence on communicable disease mattersand carries out applied research.Bioinformatics activity covers 5 subject areas: 1. Antimicrobial resistance, 2. Viruses, sexual health, T and Vaccine preventable disease and respiratory infection. 3. Software development 4. Next Generation Sequencing and 5. Genomic epidemiology, research and training. The post-holder will be assigned to one or more subject groups, but will provide support to the others, as required.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will be a key member of scientific staff with the Bioinformatics team which is based within the Public Health Wales Microbiology Division. They will work closely with senior scientists, clinical scientists, bioinformaticians and other team members, to develop new bioinformatics systems, expand on existing ones and provide support during outbreak and major event situations. The post-holder will take a lead on discrete projects and reports and help ensure that analytical and reporting deadlines are met.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

We are Public Health Wales – the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.

We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/

Job responsibilities

The post-holder will:

• Work closely with the senior scientists, clinical scientists and consultants to set up new diagnostic and surveillance software and expand or develop existing diagnostic and surveillance software to reflect changes in service delivery, data capture methods and priorities.

Oversee production, assist in preparation and quality assurance of existing genomics services.

Provide, under supervision, responses to ad-hoc queries from other public organisations, the Welsh Government, the press and members of the public, as required. Provide, under supervision, responses to urgent queries from within the Microbiology Division and Welsh Government.

Prepare material for publication on the Public Health Wales website, assist in quality assurance of surveillance information presented on the website and investigate new ways of presenting data to various audiences.

Provide support to the field investigation of hospital and community based outbreaks and contribute to the work of the Public Health Wales Microbiology in relation to surveillance capacity in responding to communicable disease and environmental public health emergencies.

Contribute to Bioinformatics programme of applied research as required.

Prepare, under supervision, articles for submission to scientific journals.

Provide support and training to Public Health Wales Microbiology data analysts, as required, and assist in the production of training materials.

Develop software and analysis routines and advise on efficient analysis of large datasets, as required.

Provide quality assurance for analyses carried out by, and reports prepared by, other team members.

Provide support for other duties as deemed appropriate by these senior scientists and consultant epidemiologists.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• A first degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience
• Post graduate qualification in public health, epidemiology, bioinformatics statistics or related subject or equivalent experience
• Post graduate experience of scientific or information analysis work
• Experience of working with large or complex data sets
• Experience of project based working
• Experience of producing written reports for publication and working to deadlines
• Strong background in a biological science or health related field
• Experience of working in software development and of software versioning systems
• Experience of communicating information to scientific audiences, external partners and the public
• Experience of research and development

Skills and Knowledge

• Skilled in use of data analysis, coding and or statistical software packages (e.g. Python, SQL, R)
• Excellent analytical and epidemiological skills, including statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Good all round IT skills, including using and interrogating databases
• Excellent written communication skills, including report writing and presentation of data in appropriate formats
• Ability to plan and organise a number of concurrent projects
• Ability to self-manage workload, work to agreed objectives, set priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to contribute to and evaluate peer reviewed papers
• Knowledge of microbiological principles
• A broad basic knowledge of information governance, data security and privacy issues
• Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn
• Skilled in mapping and data visualisation software
• Basic knowledge of public health
• Knowledge of health service organisation in Wales

Personal Attributes

• Able to work independently and as a member of a team, with high levels of motivation
• Able to engage with people at all levels
• Able to respond calmly to unpredictable work patterns and meet urgent deadlines
• Flexible, adaptable and innovative approach to work
• Conscientious and pays attention to detail
• Ability to maintain required levels of confidentiality

Other

• Commitment to continuous personal development
• Prepared to travel
• Willing to work flexible hours if required to meet the needs of the service

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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