Job summary The Emerging Infections and Zoonoses team is recruiting a new Lead Epidemiologist post. This is an exciting opportunity be at the forefront of national, and international, incident and policy work in this high profile field. This is a challenging and rewarding specialist epidemiologist role with a balanced portfolio of proactive core epidemiology functions, and reactive outbreak and incident response. The Emerging Infections and Zoonoses team sits within the TB, Acute Respiratory, Zoonoses, Emerging infection, and Travel health division (TARZET), whose mission is to protect the public from respiratory, imported, emerging, and novel infections through world-leading public health microbiology and virology, outbreak response, surveillance, research and interventions. We are a multidisciplinary team delivering surveillance, epidemiology, public health and clinical advice, microbiology and virology, incident and outbreak response, and advice to government. We work closely with NHS England and NHS Trusts, with international agencies and colleagues, and in a fully integrated way with multiple academic partners, with associated research opportunities. Main duties of the job The postholder will: Provide expert epidemiological leadership in emerging, zoonotic, international and high consequence infections within the Emerging Infections and Zoonoses team. Support collaboration within UKHSA and across Government and with other key partners, including academic and international collaborators. Play a key role in ensuring delivery of UKHSA commitments to the prevention of, and response to, emerging infections. Take a leading role in infectious disease epidemiological and public health scientific analyses and writing reports on specific projects, regular and ad hoc commissions and publications. Contribute to the teaching activities of EIZ and TARZET at local, national and international level. Work closely and develop further collaborations with colleagues in other parts of UKHSA, particularly across the TARZET division, as well as cross-government and academic collaborators both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Coordinate applied research in a multidisciplinary environment. Line management is an essential component of this role and the post holder may be expected to directly line manage a small team of epidemiologists as well as provide strategic and operational oversight and development of the team activities. Post holders will be expected to participate in on-call arrangements outside of core hours. About us 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. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Date posted 17 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £72,739 to £82,746 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-HM-305274-EXT Job locations UKHSA Colindale 61 Colindale Ave, London NW9 5EQ Job description Job responsibilities Your key responsibilities will include: Surveillance and Prevention Monitoring Develop and utilise information and intelligence systems to underpin public health action across disciplines and organisations, and lead collation and interpretation of relevant data to develop the most appropriate analyses from a range of sources. Have responsibility for the synergistic development of information systems in partnership with epidemiologists in TARZET and the Data and Analytics Service; Undertake, and facilitate teams responsible for, the specialist and complex analyses of quantitative and/or qualitative datasets which will require selection of the best option from a range of possible solutions. Analyse and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence from a range of sources to make recommendations and inform decision making which may have long term impacts. Receive, interpret, provide and advise on highly complex epidemiological, microbiological and statistical information about the health of populations of the UK and international populations. Outbreak Support and Epidemiological Investigations Lead and manage multidisciplinary Incident Management teams and contribute to a range of national and international outbreak responses. This may include the technical and analytical aspects of epidemiological outbreak investigations including advising on study design, writing protocols for analytical studies, overseeing questionnaire design and study database development, training interviewers, preparing outbreak reports and supervising and supporting investigations into exceedances and assigning and managing team resources during outbreaks. Lead the collection and statistical analysis of epidemiological data, coordinate the incorporation of qualitative information to inform risk assessments and production of reports and publications. Liaison with internal UKHSA stakeholders, including the Data, Analytics and Surveillance group, on appropriate data architecture and analytics development. Expert advice and Evaluation Provide expert public health advice and leadership in emerging infections to support and inform an evidence-based approach within ethical frameworks, across sectors including local authorities, voluntary organisations, etc, in potentially contentious and hostile environments where barriers to acceptance may exist. Influence external agencies in their public health policy decisions by working with complex professional, managerial and population groups and other organisations in the statutory, non-statutory and private sectors. Communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide audience including the media and the public in sometimes highly challenging circumstances relating to emerging infections. Act in an expert advisory capacity on public health knowledge, standards and practice, to national and international advisory committees and similar expert panels. Deputising for the senior colleagues as and when necessary both at external forums and within the UKHSA. Chair or be a member of these groups as required. Write and/or contribute to national policy setting reports on the health of the population in relation to emerging infections. Leadership and Management Be a member of the Emerging Infections and Zoonoses senior management team, with involvement in business planning and development of surveillance, research and training strategies. Support senior managers within TARZET to ensure day-to-day operational delivery of the service, its responsibilities and resources are fully equipped and fit for purpose. Deputise where appropriate, using leadership approaches and skills. Be responsible for the development and implementation of multi-agency long-term public health programmes as required, based on identification of areas of potential health improvement, the diversity of national and local needs and the reduction of inequalities; providing emerging infections and expert international epidemiology and public health advice on and leadership to support and inform an evidence-based approach to compare, analyse and interpret highly complex options for running projects identified as key public health priorities, and communicate this information across organisations. Compare, analyse and interpret highly complex options for running projects identified as key public health priorities, and communicate this information across organisations and the local community. Oversee a team of staff including their day to day management. Research and Development Lead on public health research for emerging infections, undertake research or audit and commission research audits/projects and pursue (and manage) external funding for research Develop and lead on international communications, collaborations and research initiatives for areas of responsibility, as appropriate. Develop links with academic centres and other international centres as appropriate to ensure the work of UKHSA on emerging and zoonotic infections is based on a sound research and evidence base. Teaching and Training Develop public health capacity related to emerging and zoonotic infections by contributing to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and by supervising those training and working in public health, such as FETP fellows, public health registrars, health care workers, microbiologists and epidemiologists. Management Arrangements Manage staff and budgets as required within TARZET. Share deputising duties with consultants in the relevant teams within TARZET as required. The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Selection process details This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the below listed 9 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 you consider 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 essentialcriteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Proven experience of data management and analysis of large and complex datasets and reporting, with advanced knowledge of computers and database software packages. Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. 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. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (competency based) You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a 510 minute Presentation at interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. 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). 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. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Job description Job responsibilities Your key responsibilities will include: Surveillance and Prevention Monitoring Develop and utilise information and intelligence systems to underpin public health action across disciplines and organisations, and lead collation and interpretation of relevant data to develop the most appropriate analyses from a range of sources. Have responsibility for the synergistic development of information systems in partnership with epidemiologists in TARZET and the Data and Analytics Service; Undertake, and facilitate teams responsible for, the specialist and complex analyses of quantitative and/or qualitative datasets which will require selection of the best option from a range of possible solutions. Analyse and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence from a range of sources to make recommendations and inform decision making which may have long term impacts. Receive, interpret, provide and advise on highly complex epidemiological, microbiological and statistical information about the health of populations of the UK and international populations. Outbreak Support and Epidemiological Investigations Lead and manage multidisciplinary Incident Management teams and contribute to a range of national and international outbreak responses. This may include the technical and analytical aspects of epidemiological outbreak investigations including advising on study design, writing protocols for analytical studies, overseeing questionnaire design and study database development, training interviewers, preparing outbreak reports and supervising and supporting investigations into exceedances and assigning and managing team resources during outbreaks. Lead the collection and statistical analysis of epidemiological data, coordinate the incorporation of qualitative information to inform risk assessments and production of reports and publications. Liaison with internal UKHSA stakeholders, including the Data, Analytics and Surveillance group, on appropriate data architecture and analytics development. Expert advice and Evaluation Provide expert public health advice and leadership in emerging infections to support and inform an evidence-based approach within ethical frameworks, across sectors including local authorities, voluntary organisations, etc, in potentially contentious and hostile environments where barriers to acceptance may exist. Influence external agencies in their public health policy decisions by working with complex professional, managerial and population groups and other organisations in the statutory, non-statutory and private sectors. Communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide audience including the media and the public in sometimes highly challenging circumstances relating to emerging infections. Act in an expert advisory capacity on public health knowledge, standards and practice, to national and international advisory committees and similar expert panels. Deputising for the senior colleagues as and when necessary both at external forums and within the UKHSA. Chair or be a member of these groups as required. Write and/or contribute to national policy setting reports on the health of the population in relation to emerging infections. Leadership and Management Be a member of the Emerging Infections and Zoonoses senior management team, with involvement in business planning and development of surveillance, research and training strategies. Support senior managers within TARZET to ensure day-to-day operational delivery of the service, its responsibilities and resources are fully equipped and fit for purpose. Deputise where appropriate, using leadership approaches and skills. Be responsible for the development and implementation of multi-agency long-term public health programmes as required, based on identification of areas of potential health improvement, the diversity of national and local needs and the reduction of inequalities; providing emerging infections and expert international epidemiology and public health advice on and leadership to support and inform an evidence-based approach to compare, analyse and interpret highly complex options for running projects identified as key public health priorities, and communicate this information across organisations. Compare, analyse and interpret highly complex options for running projects identified as key public health priorities, and communicate this information across organisations and the local community. Oversee a team of staff including their day to day management. Research and Development Lead on public health research for emerging infections, undertake research or audit and commission research audits/projects and pursue (and manage) external funding for research Develop and lead on international communications, collaborations and research initiatives for areas of responsibility, as appropriate. Develop links with academic centres and other international centres as appropriate to ensure the work of UKHSA on emerging and zoonotic infections is based on a sound research and evidence base. Teaching and Training Develop public health capacity related to emerging and zoonotic infections by contributing to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and by supervising those training and working in public health, such as FETP fellows, public health registrars, health care workers, microbiologists and epidemiologists. Management Arrangements Manage staff and budgets as required within TARZET. Share deputising duties with consultants in the relevant teams within TARZET as required. The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Selection process details This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the below listed 9 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 you consider 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 essentialcriteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Proven experience of data management and analysis of large and complex datasets and reporting, with advanced knowledge of computers and database software packages. Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. 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. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (competency based) You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a 510 minute Presentation at interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. 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). 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. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Person Specification Essential Essential First degree in science subject or related field or equivalent work experience Higher degree (MSc or equivalent) in related discipline PhD in epidemiology/public health/health promotion or equivalent from experience Proven experience of data management and analysis of large and complex datasets and reporting, with advanced knowledge of computers and database software packages Working at a senior level in coordination of multi-centre projects, developing and managing projects, managing research programmes and/or sections Extensive knowledge and experience of communicable disease epidemiology, surveillance and/ or prevention Understand information governance, including data protection and the need to maintain required levels of confidentiality Liaise with a wide range of external collaborators including health service, academic and international professionals Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing Person Specification Essential Essential First degree in science subject or related field or equivalent work experience Higher degree (MSc or equivalent) in related discipline PhD in epidemiology/public health/health promotion or equivalent from experience Proven experience of data management and analysis of large and complex datasets and reporting, with advanced knowledge of computers and database software packages Working at a senior level in coordination of multi-centre projects, developing and managing projects, managing research programmes and/or sections Extensive knowledge and experience of communicable disease epidemiology, surveillance and/ or prevention Understand information governance, including data protection and the need to maintain required levels of confidentiality Liaise with a wide range of external collaborators including health service, academic and international professionals Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency Address UKHSA Colindale 61 Colindale Ave, London NW9 5EQ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)