Job summary We are looking for a Senior Scientist (Epidemiologist) who will work within the national COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Surveillance team in the Immunisations and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Division and will have responsibility for supporting and developing surveillance systems and epidemiological processes and outputs. The post involves data collection, analysis and interpretation, and the writing of scientific reports and publications. The post holder may also have the opportunity to participate research projects. Work within this national team involve some on call working and is fast paced; the postholder will need to be able to respond to sudden demands, demonstrate good interpersonal skills and to work as a team member. Per Civil Service guidance, this role requires 60% on-site working at our base in Colindale, London. Main duties of the job The main duties of the job include: Contribute to enhanced surveillance systems and research studies of respiratory diseases, with an emphasis on coronavirus, and lead and support the data collection and validation, and production of routine surveillance intelligence in these areas. Analyse and interpret surveillance data and develop automated routines and solutions as well as overseeing and responding to more complex or sensitive data requests. This will be through their application of, and expertise in, analytical, statistical, database, mapping and web tools, underpinned by knowledge of information and data science approaches. Carry out epidemiological investigation of incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases, supporting others across the directorate, local Health Protection Teams and in collaboration with other partners. This includes the design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of analytical studies in a variety of settings and supporting team members to carry out these tasks. Contribute to public health scientific analyses and writing reports on specific projects, regular and ad hoc publications and peer reviewed publications. Contribute to the work and professional development of other staff in the team. Liaise with colleagues across the Chief Medical Advisor Group, wider UKHSA and NHS colleagues at regional/local level will also be required. 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 13 January 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-HM-305396-EXT Job locations UKHSA Colindale 61 Colindale Ave London NW9 5EQ Job description Job responsibilities The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties: Surveillance and Data Analysis Identify surveillance needs within given lead areas, create surveillance system specifications, conduct complex statistical analyses and interpret surveillance data, making appropriate recommendations, develop automated routines and solutions and supervise / assure on the preparation, quality and delivery of routine and ad hoc surveillance reports. The post holder will be focussed on respiratory viral infections, including coronavirus, but will be expected to support and cross over other disease specific areas, depending on need. Respond to complex or sensitive data requests. Enhanced surveillance and Epidemiological Investigations Where appropriate, lead and manage the technical and analytical (including data management) aspects of enhanced surveillance on respiratory diseases, e.g. write protocol of analytical studies, contribute to the data collection, develop questionnaires and train interviewers. Statistical and software skills Apply a range of common statistical tests and algorithms and translate statistical processes into automated solutions where appropriate Use common statistical/database/mapping/web tools such as Stata, R, SQL and SharePoint in routine reports, surveillance activities and the development of solutions and undertake complex analytical and programming tasks using common and specialist software packages to support data extractions, analysis, linkage and validation. Audit, Quality and Governance Advise on quality and governance issues including information security for all aspects of surveillance work, evaluating existing systems, and use to improve standards and consistency across the team. Contribute to the Immunisation and Countermeasures Department quality programme such as through audit and be responsible for the quality of data collected, stored and extracted and transferred. Research Project manage research studies, analysing datasets with appropriate methodology to answer research questions, supported by the systematic review of literature and with knowledge of how to develop a grant proposal, and apply for ethical approval. Present at scientific conferences, programme area meetings and other for a and publish and present scientific papers on public health surveillance, respiratory viruses and infectious disease control in collaboration with health, public health, academic and other partners. Management / workforce / HR Effectively manage others and yourself: lead, supervise and motivate team members; effectively appraise, manage performance, and address HR/disciplinary issues for staff line managed, be responsible for managing own workload, including developing objectives and reviewing progress against these. Teaching / Training Contribute to teaching/training programmes and activities (including to the development of teaching material and courses) on surveillance, epidemiology information science, data management, information governance and quality and support ongoing training activities within the team and Service. Strategic thinking Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and partners, actively engage in meetings with internal and external colleagues, identify potential problems and seek to resolve and undertake a lead role for a specific topic or function area, as requested by the Consultant Epidemiologist. Project management Coordinate and lead projects such as the implementation of new systems and processes. 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. For a full list of essential criteria, please refer to the attached Job Description. 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 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application 1000 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 essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience of interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses. Please do not exceed 1000 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. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a (single) remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a technical test. Interviews will be held week commencing 10th February. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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. 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 scientific campus sites (Colindale). 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. If based at one of our scientific locations you will be required to have 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. Job description Job responsibilities The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties: Surveillance and Data Analysis Identify surveillance needs within given lead areas, create surveillance system specifications, conduct complex statistical analyses and interpret surveillance data, making appropriate recommendations, develop automated routines and solutions and supervise / assure on the preparation, quality and delivery of routine and ad hoc surveillance reports. The post holder will be focussed on respiratory viral infections, including coronavirus, but will be expected to support and cross over other disease specific areas, depending on need. Respond to complex or sensitive data requests. Enhanced surveillance and Epidemiological Investigations Where appropriate, lead and manage the technical and analytical (including data management) aspects of enhanced surveillance on respiratory diseases, e.g. write protocol of analytical studies, contribute to the data collection, develop questionnaires and train interviewers. Statistical and software skills Apply a range of common statistical tests and algorithms and translate statistical processes into automated solutions where appropriate Use common statistical/database/mapping/web tools such as Stata, R, SQL and SharePoint in routine reports, surveillance activities and the development of solutions and undertake complex analytical and programming tasks using common and specialist software packages to support data extractions, analysis, linkage and validation. Audit, Quality and Governance Advise on quality and governance issues including information security for all aspects of surveillance work, evaluating existing systems, and use to improve standards and consistency across the team. Contribute to the Immunisation and Countermeasures Department quality programme such as through audit and be responsible for the quality of data collected, stored and extracted and transferred. Research Project manage research studies, analysing datasets with appropriate methodology to answer research questions, supported by the systematic review of literature and with knowledge of how to develop a grant proposal, and apply for ethical approval. Present at scientific conferences, programme area meetings and other for a and publish and present scientific papers on public health surveillance, respiratory viruses and infectious disease control in collaboration with health, public health, academic and other partners. Management / workforce / HR Effectively manage others and yourself: lead, supervise and motivate team members; effectively appraise, manage performance, and address HR/disciplinary issues for staff line managed, be responsible for managing own workload, including developing objectives and reviewing progress against these. Teaching / Training Contribute to teaching/training programmes and activities (including to the development of teaching material and courses) on surveillance, epidemiology information science, data management, information governance and quality and support ongoing training activities within the team and Service. Strategic thinking Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and partners, actively engage in meetings with internal and external colleagues, identify potential problems and seek to resolve and undertake a lead role for a specific topic or function area, as requested by the Consultant Epidemiologist. Project management Coordinate and lead projects such as the implementation of new systems and processes. 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. For a full list of essential criteria, please refer to the attached Job Description. 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 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application 1000 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 essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience of interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses. Please do not exceed 1000 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. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a (single) remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a technical test. Interviews will be held week commencing 10th February. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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. 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 scientific campus sites (Colindale). 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. If based at one of our scientific locations you will be required to have 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. Person Specification Essential Essential Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area (in the maintenance, analysis of data) MSc in Epidemiology, public health or allied discipline or equivalent level of experience/education A Completion of the Field Epidemiology Training Programme or equivalent training and experience Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reporting Experience of interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses Demonstrable experience of public health, health protection or epidemiology including experience of complex and/or sensitive health data analyses Knowledge and experience of common statistical tests, modelling and analyses and interpret results appropriately, including for research purposes Person Specification Essential Essential Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area (in the maintenance, analysis of data) MSc in Epidemiology, public health or allied discipline or equivalent level of experience/education A Completion of the Field Epidemiology Training Programme or equivalent training and experience Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reporting Experience of interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses Demonstrable experience of public health, health protection or epidemiology including experience of complex and/or sensitive health data analyses Knowledge and experience of common statistical tests, modelling and analyses and interpret results appropriately, including for research purposes 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)