Senior Scientist

UK Health Security Agency; London; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health agency is seeking a scientific staff member to manage and analyze surveillance data for vector borne diseases and mpox. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, conducting statistical analyses, and contributing to public health initiatives. Applicants should have a strong background in epidemiology and data management, with excellent communication skills. The position offers flexible working options and a commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills for statistical analysis of large datasets.
• Experience in managing epidemiological studies.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage national surveillance systems for vector borne diseases.
• Conduct statistical analyses on epidemiological data.
• Contribute to public health advice during disease incidents.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Project Management

Education

First degree in a science subject

Higher degree in Microbiology, Epidemiology or an allied subject

Tools

Statistical Packages

Databases

Spreadsheets

Job description

Colindale (Scientific Campus)

Job Summary

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

The post-holder will be a member of scientific staff working on a range of activities undertaken by the Emerging Infections and Zoonoses team. The post-holder will be responsible for managing, analysing, developing and improving the surveillance portfolio, surveillance systems and databases for infections including mpox and vector borne diseases. The post-holder will also collaborate closely with colleagues working in animal health and other agencies/ institutes. They will be expected to work independently and in close liaison with the scientific Lead Epidemiologist and the Consultant Epidemiologist for vector borne diseases.

This post will provide critical scientific and data-management skills. The post-holder will be responsible for developing appropriate data linkage, analysing, and interpreting complex data on the epidemiology of mpox and vector borne diseases and providing outputs to a range of national and international stakeholders. Timely information outputs from surveillance will be a crucial aspect of the post. They will also contribute to scientific and logistical support for investigations into national outbreaks; the development of research proposals; writing scientific reports and papers for publication; and presenting epidemiological findings at a range of national and international meetings and conferences.

The post-holder will undertake specific projects to support other work areas of the EIZ team, including the response to incidents.

Job Description

Surveillance

• To manage and co-ordinate the development of national surveillance systems and databases for vector borne diseases and mpox
• To conduct complex statistical and epidemiological analyses of data on vector borne diseases drawn from a variety of surveillance sources ensuring the availability of quality epidemiological data
• Identify gaps in surveillance activities, prioritise these and contribute to the development of new surveillance initiatives and linkages as appropriate
  
  

Incidents

• Contribute to public health advice and assistance in mpox or vector borne disease incidents or outbreaks to colleagues both within the Epidemic and Emerging Infections directorate and externally to partner agencies such as Defra, APHA, etc.
• Provide specialist advice on the epidemiological aspects of the prevention and control of vector borne diseases including contributing to the development of guidance in the management of such incidents
• Liaise with others working on vector borne diseases and mpox, establishing good links with other government agencies and devolved administrations
  
  

Research, publications and training

• To contribute to development of research proposals consistent with the aims of the work of the EIZ section, and contribute to the research carried out by other members of the section
• To conduct statistical analyses of epidemiological and microbiological data for research projects
• Writing research reports, peer-reviewed publications and presenting at scientific meetings
• To regularly update the relevant web-pages with data and associated information
• To provide technical reports and advice documents for expert committees and national and local incident control teams
• Develop presentations and give training in the post-holders’ areas of expertise
• Contribute to the training for new members of staff within the section
  
  

Surveillance

• To manage and co-ordinate the development of national surveillance systems and databases for vector borne diseases and mpox
• To conduct complex statistical and epidemiological analyses of data on vector borne diseases drawn from a variety of surveillance sources ensuring the availability of quality epidemiological data
• Identify gaps in surveillance activities, prioritise these and contribute to the development of new surveillance initiatives and linkages as appropriate
  
  

Incidents

• Contribute to public health advice and assistance in mpox or vector borne disease incidents or outbreaks to colleagues both within the Epidemic and Emerging Infections directorate and externally to partner agencies such as Defra, APHA, etc.
• Provide specialist advice on the epidemiological aspects of the prevention and control of vector borne diseases including contributing to the development of guidance in the management of such incidents
• Liaise with others working on vector borne diseases and mpox, establishing good links with other government agencies and devolved administrations
  
  

Research, publications and training

• To contribute to development of research proposals consistent with the aims of the work of the EIZ section, and contribute to the research carried out by other members of the section
• To conduct statistical analyses of epidemiological and microbiological data for research projects
• Writing research reports, peer-reviewed publications and presenting at scientific meetings
• To regularly update the relevant web-pages with data and associated information
• To provide technical reports and advice documents for expert committees and national and local incident control teams
• Develop presentations and give training in the post-holders’ areas of expertise
• Contribute to the training for new members of staff within the section
  
  

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• First degree in a science subject
• Higher degree in Microbiology, Epidemiology or an allied subject (MSc or equivalent)
• Strong analytical skills - statistical analysis of large and complex epidemiological datasets
• Managing epidemiological studies
• Writing scientific papers and/or project reports
• Using databases, spreadsheets, statistical and graphics packages to an advanced level
• Having a thorough understanding and knowledge of recent advances in the epidemiology and microbiology of infectious diseases, particularly of emerging infections and zoonoses
• Ability to work both independently - taking responsibility for own technical work and time – and as an effective team member
• Ability to liaise with a range of health professionals and scientific and industry specialists
• Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly
• Ability to work on a number of separate tasks at the same time, whilst keeping to agreed deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to analyse complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• An understanding of outbreak investigation
• Presenting scientific papers at national and international meetings/ conferences
  
  

Alongside your salary of £44,852, UK Health Security Agency contributes £12,993 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
  
  

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience, skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency-based

Required

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word Statement of Suitability.
  
  

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria
  
  

Piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of:

• Strong analytical skills - statistical analysis of large and complex epidemiological datasets
  
  

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency-based

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to undertake a brief assessment of a dataset as part of the interview process. The subject of this will be sent prior to interview and interviewed candidates will be asked to present their findings at the interview.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Selection Process

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

For Fixed term posts

For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.

Eligibility Criteria

External: open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs. You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Lisa Tweedie
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [e-mail] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7172300