Job Description

Details

-----------

Reference number

423025

Salary

54,416 - 68,344
Per annum, Pro Rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Grade 7

Contract type

Fixed term

Length of employment

Fixed term until 31/03/2027

Type of role

Analytical

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

------------

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

Location

------------


Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London - Canary Wharf (Core HQs) and Colindale

About the job

-----------------

Job summary

This post will focus on helping shape and deliver the objectives of the Genomics Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) as set out in its yearly Forward Business Plan.


This bioinformatics role within the genomics HPRU will work with partners at UKHSA to develop methods which allow complex whole genome sequence data to be used as an input into AI and deep learning methodologies. In the first instance the theme will focus on Tuberculosis mycobacterium antimicrobial resistance, but there will be opportunities to expand approaches to other human pathogens. This role will also provide bioinformatics support for other whole genome sequencing analysis projects within themes 2 and 3, these are likely to include phylogenetic, AMR and SNP analysis of both viral and bacterial pathogens. A key aim of the genomics HPRU is the translation of methodology into UKHSA routine sequencing activity, therefore this post holder will also work with the Bioinformatics division to ensure that methodologies and tools are compatible with deployment as part of routine WGS processing.

#

Working for your organisation

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.

Job description

The postholder will develop bioinformatics and public health informatics for the Genomics HPRU:

Provide bioinformatics expertise and insight into projects and proposals put forward as part of the Genomics HPRU Design and validate bioinformatics tools, pipelines, and methods suitable for analysis and comparison of the genome sequences generated at UKHSA and elsewhere. Compile, in appropriate databases and formats, complex data arising from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) from a range of pathogens. Undertake analysis on data arising from WGS, in particular for the validation of proposed methods and techniques.

To support delivery of the objectives of the Genomics Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) as set out in its yearly Forward Business Plan, including:

Liaise with the HPRU directors and other scientists involved in order to develop and deliver the main goals of the yearly Forward Business Plan and provide expert support and leadership. Assist with developing and updating the yearly Forward Business Plan Work with other bioinformaticians and academics in the Genomics HPRU and at UKHSA on designing, implementing, and validating efficient bioinformatics pipelines suitable for analysis and comparative genomics of relevant pathogen sequences. Undertake SNP, recombination and phylogenetic analyses, and analysis of data arising from WGS, including temporal and geographic cluster analysis, characterisation of clones, correlation of genotypic vs. phenotypic characteristics, and others, as needed, in order to validate proposed methods and to generate databases that can be used as unit test data for such methods. Assist with the deployment of technologies for the analysis and comparative analysis of high-throughput WGS in all sections of UKHSA, as required including graphical user interfaces and data collection tools to help epidemiologists. Provide mentoring, technical tutoring and strategic advice to other HPRU members. Supervise and train junior and visiting Bioinformaticians in the use of appropriate bioinformatics applications, tools and safe coding practices and work in collaboration with others in UKHSA and externally as required. Prepare and present reports, posters and publications arising from the work. There may be opportunities to present at international meetings. Participate and contribute to UKHSA meetings and the development and implementation of a bioinformatics strategy.

Person specification

Essential role criteria:

Higher degree (i.e., PhD or above, or several years' experience in a similar position) in Bioinformatics or a related quantitative discipline Application and adaptation of bioinformatics tools to analyse biological data using the UNIX command line. Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. high throughput sequencing data). In-depth understanding of the principles of DNA sequence analysis and phylogenetics. Substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and involvement in securing research proposal funding Fluent at programming / script writing (eg. Python, bash, R, C, C++, functional languages)

Desirable role criteria:

Knowledge of Molecular microbiology and Molecular epidemiology Demonstrated experience of co-ordinating projects in complex and challenging environments Understanding of the public sector Understanding of the relevance of microbiology, epidemiology, bioinformatics and genomics on public health issues Knowledge of pathogens relevant to the Genomics HPRU and their impact on public health Experience of managing collaborative research projects Database management

Benefits

------------


Alongside your salary of 54,416, UK Health Security Agency contributes 15,764 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%

Things you need to know

---------------------------

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 listed (6) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) A 750 word supporting statement.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words.*


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 following will be taken through to the next stage:

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

+ Higher degree (i.e., PhD or above, or several years' experience in a similar position) in Bioinformatics or a related quantitative discipline Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. high throughput sequencing data). Substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and involvement in securing research proposal funding Fluent at programming / script writing (eg. Python, bash, R, C, C++, functional languages)

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 750words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

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.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.


Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.


You will be asked to prepare and present a 10-minute talk at the start of your 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.

Eligibility Criteria

- Externa

l


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

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 wherebusiness 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).

S

ecurity 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.


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 3years 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.

For Temporary Appointments

, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.

Future location

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.

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.

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 consider 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/

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.

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.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers




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

---------------------------------


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

#

Job contact :

Name : Gurkamal Bhambra Email : gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk
#

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: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk