Job Description

Details

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Reference number

418146

Salary

31,997 - 43,552
per annum pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer
HEO National - 31,997 - 39,076 HEO Inner London - 36,187 - 43,552

Contract type

Fixed term

Length of employment

until 31st March 2026

Type of role

Administration / Corporate Support

Digital

Information Technology

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Canary Wharf, Colindale, Birmingham, Leeds or Liverpool

About the job

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Job summary

We are looking for

two

Bioinformaticians to work within Core Bioinformatics Division; the division is part of the Digital and Data Directorate within UKHSA.


UKHSA currently performs genomic sequencing of around 20 human pathogens, this data is used to inform clinical and public health pathways for managing the spread of human pathogens within the UK.


Both roles within the Bioinformatics Division will be part of a small team of bioinformaticians supporting the service delivery and the development of new pathogen pipelines and new analysis components which will be integrated into the overarching bioinformatics processes for delivering a genomics service within UKHSA.

Digital and Data

The Data Digital & Data Directorate provides strategic leadership and oversight for developing and managing a common and bespoke suite of performant, modern, secure, data and analytical tools, services, platforms and applications, ensuring access to high quality data and analytics services.

Bioinformatics

Based within the Digital and Data Directorate, the Bioinformatics Division works across the organisation and with external partners to lead the design, development, maintenance and delivery of surveillance systems, with a focus on accessibility, interoperability and improving health security outcomes.


The Division is also responsible for the provision of an informatics capability to support laboratory services and has oversight of the UKHSA bioinformatics function to support whole genome sequencing.

Job description

Contribute to day-to-day running and maintenance of the software and computer systems delivering existing UKHSA Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) pipelines. Contribute to expanding deployment of existing WGS pipelines to additional computational platforms (external cloud) Support the identification and sharing of best bioinformatics practice Contribute to refactoring existing WGS software components Develop tested, validated, and versioned software components for WGS analyses, incorporate into and validate new WGS pipeline versions Satisfy support requests logged through helpdesk Analyse data from projects to which you are assigned, accepting responsibility for generating reports within agreed timelines. Lead preparation of reports, posters and publications arising from the data Represent UKHSA at internal, National, and international meetings. Work consistent with the Bioinformatics Unit quality management system, ISO and other accreditation standards; participate in quality audits to support the unit's accredited service. Always comply with safety and quality protocols and procedures

Person specification

Responsibilities will include

Communication and key working relationships


The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA. This will include:


Internal

Substantial interactions with members of the Bioinformatics Team and the Central Sequencing Lab (CSL) Regular interactions with Laboratory scientists, embedded bioinformaticians and epidemiologists. Substantial interactions within Digital & Data and with central IT (ICT) colleagues.

External

Interaction with external scientific computing experts to deliver appropriate technologies through external cloud-based resource and utilising UKHSA computing infrastructure. Interactions with collaborating centres (Oxford University, EBI) to deliver software process for analysing WGS data.

Essential criteria:

Degree in Bioinformatics or a related life science and postgraduate training in Bioinformatics Familiar with Linux/Unix Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic analytical approaches Experience of bioinformatics tool use, preferably to the analysis of microbial DNA Coding skills, preferably python Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and hard working Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Desirable criteria:

Ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise Experience of VCS systems (e.g. Git) for software versioning and documentation Awareness of software containerization (e.g. Docker, Singularity)

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 31,997, UK Health Security Agency contributes 9,269 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%

Working for UKHSA

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

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience, Ability and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 800-word supporting statement.

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 supporting statement 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

The pile that 'meets all essential criteria' will be used for further sifting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on 'Degree in Bioinformatics or a related life science and postgraduate training in Bioinformatics'


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 800 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 ability will be tested at interview.


The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

Delivering at pace (lead behaviour) Working together Making effective decisions, Changing and Improving

Technical skills and ability will be tested via technical questions in the interview.


Interviews will be held week commencing 25th August 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

External

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates for this role must pass an enhanced disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.


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.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ's. 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 HQ's (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or at one of our scientific campus sites (Colindale)


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).

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see:

Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK

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The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

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.

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 take into account 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/

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.


Link below:


Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

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.



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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .



See our vetting charter .
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) 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

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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 .
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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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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

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Job contact :

Name : Recruitment Team Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

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: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission here: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.