Job summary The post holder will be responsible for developing and maintaining SQL-databases to enable the data processes within the respiratory viruses Epidemiology team and data flows to other parts of the response. In addition, they will lead on collating and assessing the feasibility of linking health record datasets, as well as navigating and negotiating data access issues through internal and external partners. They will work with senior epidemiologists within the team and colleagues in partner organisations to facilitate data processes and, where relevant, identify and implement various health information record linkage algorithms and assess the scalability of the techniques. Main duties of the job Main duties: 1. Lead on the design, implementation and management of databases to handle data flows securely and efficiently.2. Responsible for collating and assessing the feasibility of linking health record datasets3. Navigating and negotiating data access issues through partners within UKHSA, NHS England and Improvement and NHS Digital, etc4. Work in collaboration with colleagues to identify key variables in order to link records involving a combination of formal identifiers (e.g. NHS numbers) and informal variables (e.g. sex, age etc.), and where possible, identify additional information to inform the linkage5. Lead on assessing the accuracy and completeness of health record data as well as cleaning and standardizing the datasets6. Work with the scientific team and other team members in identifying and implementing deterministic and probabilistic linkage algorithms, as appropriate and depending upon the datasets, and where necessary, adapting suitable data linkage methodologies and assessing the scalability of the techniques7. Address key issues with record linkage including data divergence, redundancy and data overlap8. Participate in the longitudinal analysis of individuals captured through the surveillance system to address complex research questions and enhance our understanding of respiratory infections 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 12 March 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £44,852 to £50,472 a year Per annum, Pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-ROG-305392-EXT Job locations Colindale 61 Colindale Avenue London NW9 5EQ Job description Job responsibilities Other Responsibilities: Demonstrate knowledge of suitable statistical platforms (e.g. R, STATA, SAS etc.) and/or programming languages (e.g. python, perl etc), as well as existing software (e.g. Febrl) to enable large scale data manipulation as well as a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of SQL. Contribute to the strategic direction of the surveillance activities, with a focus on research outcomes including developing and piloting new methods of health record data linkage. To contribute to the development of research proposals under the guidance of the project lead The successful applicant will have an understanding of health informatics, information technology, and knowledge of data services and working with standards, as well as knowledge of information governance and project assurance. Drawing on their knowledge and experience of linking large complex datasets, the post-holder should be able to demonstrate knowledge of suitable statistical platforms (e.g. R, STATA, SAS etc) and/or programming languages (e.g. python, perl etc), as well as existing software (e.g. Febrl) to enable large scale data manipulation as well as a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of SQL.The role will require well developed and demonstrable written and analytical skills. The post-holder must have excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a team. The post-holder will also be responsible for contributing to the strategic direction of the research and surveillance activities, including developing and piloting new methods of health record data linkage. Selection ProcessDetails: Please be aware that we will assess on the 11 essential criteria and 4 desirable criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document. This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess yourknowledgeand experience and skills outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1:Application& Sift You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 essentialcriteria and 4 desirable criteria,and this will be in the form ofa: Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1500word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills,experience,andknowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. TheApplication formand Statement of Suitability will be markedtogether. Longlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will longlistinto 3 piles of: Meets all essentialcriteria Meets someessentialcriteria Meets no essentialcriteria In order to be shortlisted you must meet all and some of the essential criteria listed above. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on. Experience of database management systems (including SQL) If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and 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 You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (includingby definition internalapplicants). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at one of our Scientific Campuses. 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, toget 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) working at one of UKHSA's scientific campus sites (Colindale).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 vettingand applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. There may be some opportunity to travel to the Canary Wharf office but this can be discussed further at interview if interested. 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. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check 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)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. Job description Job responsibilities Other Responsibilities: Demonstrate knowledge of suitable statistical platforms (e.g. R, STATA, SAS etc.) and/or programming languages (e.g. python, perl etc), as well as existing software (e.g. Febrl) to enable large scale data manipulation as well as a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of SQL. Contribute to the strategic direction of the surveillance activities, with a focus on research outcomes including developing and piloting new methods of health record data linkage. To contribute to the development of research proposals under the guidance of the project lead The successful applicant will have an understanding of health informatics, information technology, and knowledge of data services and working with standards, as well as knowledge of information governance and project assurance. Drawing on their knowledge and experience of linking large complex datasets, the post-holder should be able to demonstrate knowledge of suitable statistical platforms (e.g. R, STATA, SAS etc) and/or programming languages (e.g. python, perl etc), as well as existing software (e.g. Febrl) to enable large scale data manipulation as well as a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of SQL.The role will require well developed and demonstrable written and analytical skills. The post-holder must have excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a team. The post-holder will also be responsible for contributing to the strategic direction of the research and surveillance activities, including developing and piloting new methods of health record data linkage. Selection ProcessDetails: Please be aware that we will assess on the 11 essential criteria and 4 desirable criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document. This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess yourknowledgeand experience and skills outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1:Application& Sift You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 essentialcriteria and 4 desirable criteria,and this will be in the form ofa: Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1500word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills,experience,andknowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. TheApplication formand Statement of Suitability will be markedtogether. Longlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will longlistinto 3 piles of: Meets all essentialcriteria Meets someessentialcriteria Meets no essentialcriteria In order to be shortlisted you must meet all and some of the essential criteria listed above. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on. Experience of database management systems (including SQL) If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and 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 You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (includingby definition internalapplicants). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at one of our Scientific Campuses. 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, toget 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) working at one of UKHSA's scientific campus sites (Colindale).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 vettingand applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. There may be some opportunity to travel to the Canary Wharf office but this can be discussed further at interview if interested. 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. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check 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)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. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Relevant post-graduate qualification in quantitative scientific discipline or Epidemiology/public health or significant post-graduate experience. Knowledge and Experience Essential Experience of database management systems (including SQL) Experience of health record data linkage High standard of data management, analysis and producing reports Knowledge and experience of a statistical software package (R/STATA/SAS etc.) Desirable Working in an NHS environment and/or in communicable disease epidemiology Knowledge of Data Protection laws and the importance of maintaining security and confidentiality Experience and practical knowledge of blocking, indexing and filtering techniques. Identifying and predicting bottlenecks Experience with existing record linkage tools (deterministic and/or probabilistic) Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours Essential Ability to identify and solve practical problems Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate with a range of people from different backgrounds Ability to work individually and as part of a team Good organisation, prioritisation and time management skills Good presentation skills Equality and Diversity Essential An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Relevant post-graduate qualification in quantitative scientific discipline or Epidemiology/public health or significant post-graduate experience. Knowledge and Experience Essential Experience of database management systems (including SQL) Experience of health record data linkage High standard of data management, analysis and producing reports Knowledge and experience of a statistical software package (R/STATA/SAS etc.) Desirable Working in an NHS environment and/or in communicable disease epidemiology Knowledge of Data Protection laws and the importance of maintaining security and confidentiality Experience and practical knowledge of blocking, indexing and filtering techniques. Identifying and predicting bottlenecks Experience with existing record linkage tools (deterministic and/or probabilistic) Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours Essential Ability to identify and solve practical problems Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate with a range of people from different backgrounds Ability to work individually and as part of a team Good organisation, prioritisation and time management skills Good presentation skills Equality and Diversity Essential An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. 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 Colindale 61 Colindale Avenue London NW9 5EQ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)