Communication and key working relationshipsInternal Responsible to the Head of WGS Software Development Bioinformatics Unit, contribute to NGS activities ongoing within the unit as required Genomic Services and Development Unit, interactions with laboratory staff to liaise over NGS sequencing activity in general and robotics/LMS interoperability specifically Bioinformaticians embedded in other units, provide advice on best practice in software engineering Scientists engaged in development of NGS sequencing projects Bioinformaticians working in the Medical and Genomics Directorate and on the COVID-19 response External Scientists at the Oxford Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, ongoing support and development of the TB whole genome sequencing pipeline Mycobacteriology Reference Laboratory- Birmingham, support for TB pipelines Collaborators on projects at other institutes and academic centres Scientist at CLIMB and the COG-UK consortium Academics and Bioinformaticians in the Devolved Administrations Key Responsibilities To support the migration of current analytical pipelines processing NGS data to robust, scalable software architecture, meeting recognised acceptable software standards To write new programmatic algorithms for more efficient and novel ways of processing data and its interpretation. To contribute to the scoping of tools and methodologies for analysis of molecular data in conjunction with other metadata such as epidemiological and clinical information. To develop and distribute best practice software development and testing for bioinformatics activities across the organisation. To devise best practices and establish standards for analysis and dissemination of new technological developments that may have an impact on public health. To contribute to the development of the means to disseminate the results from bioinformatics analyses including web-based delivery To be involved with the scoping of bioinformatics tools and methodologies for analysis of molecular data in conjunction with other metadata such as epidemiological and clinical information Write and distribute regular project update reports and to provide training and deliver presentations as required. To take part in quality procedures and audits for accreditation Health & Safety To comply with safety policies, ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to work in a safe manner. Work in a safe manner Quality Ensure that the data within UKHSA databases meet the highest standards of quality to meet clinical and public health needs. Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes Risk Management To assist line management in ensuring that appropriate risk management controls are implemented and maintained within area of responsibility, and that new risks are identified and raised as appropriate Other The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation. Professional Development You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements Essential criteria: You will be assessed on the below 10 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description Higher degree (i.e., MSc or above) in preferred in scientific fields like Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science Experience of contributing to large and complex software solutions Experience of developing software for distributed computer resources Experience in industry or academia of delivering multi-disciplinary projects within deadlines Proficient in Python Proven ability to write software documentation Confident in a Linux environment Proficient in using git (including continuous integration) Experience in working with Postgres or other relational databases Experience with Python web frameworks like Django or Flask Selection Process Details: This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 14essential criteria and this will be in the form of a: application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1500word 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 essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria 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 Proficient in Python 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 (success profiles) You will be invited to a (single) remote interview. Behaviours, technical and strengths will be tested at interview. There will be a Technical Test The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Seeing the Big Picture Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Managing a Quality Service Developing Self and Others 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 any of our Core HQs. 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) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). 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 Basic Personnel Security Standard.