Job Description

Details

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Reference number

417224

Salary

66,465 - 68,344
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Grade 7
Grade 7 (Upper)

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

Other

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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

Location

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Colindale (Scientific Campus)

About the job

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Job summary

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.


The Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infection (AMR & HCAI) Division brings together teams responsible for a range of outputs that include coordinating the investigation and cause of national outbreaks, advice to Government and the UKHSA Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Priority Programme.


The post holder will work within the AMR & HCAI Division. The post holder will be a section head and senior member of the scientific staff of a multi-disciplinary Team set up to develop and implement many new initiatives a field that is high-profile and attracts much media interest. The post holder will lead a section dealing with special enhanced clinical surveillance topics, including Mandatory Surveillance of Gram-negative, MRSA, MSSA, C. difficile, and other HCAIs. They will also have a lead role in strategic management of the Division. Work on enhanced clinical surveillance will involve managing a multidisciplinary team of nursing, scientific and data handling staff maintaining existing surveillance systems and identifying, designing and developing new surveillance systems of public health importance. Other responsibilities of the post will include representing the Division on policy committees and outbreak and incident teams, providing specialist advice and information, developing research proposals, lecturing and teaching.

Job description

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Main duties of the job

Scientific leadership Epidemiological expertise Research Strategic and financial management Governance Staff management Publications and Presentations Teaching and training

Surveillance

Scientific leadership

1. Lead the AMR & HCAI Division's Section covering Mandatory Surveillance of including Gram-negative, MRSA and MSSA bacteraemia and Clostridioides difficile infection, and other HCAIs through the following activities:

provide strategic and managerial lead of scientific and administrative teams responsible for maintaining routine and enhanced surveillance activities guide epidemiological and statistical analyses conducted by scientific staff, and publications and presentations based on these data oversee all aspects of data management and administration, including the design, documentation and validation of data systems, ensuring full compliance with UKHSA quality standards ensure surveillance data are maintained to a high standard and analysed regularly as appropriate ensure the capture, storage and transfer of data are performed in compliance with UKHSA standards based on Data Protection legislation establish and maintain working partnerships with national reference laboratory leads for all disease areas covered within the section, including the Laboratory of Healthcare Associated Infection and the UKHSA Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring Reference Laboratory. keep up to date on key methodological and analytical developments of potential relevance to the section

2. Identify key public health questions of importance to this section. Lead on addressing these questions through the development of existing surveillance systems and/or through special surveys.

3. Provide strategic direction to data linkage projects, negotiate and renew data sharing agreements with relevant bodies, develop and ratify intellectual property agreements stipulating ownership of combined data where needed.

Epidemiological expertise

1. Provide national expertise on the epidemiology of HCAIs.

2. Provide epidemiological leadership to international networks, with particular focus on methodological aspects affecting future data analysis.

3. Act as a National Representative for the disease-specific networks, as required.

4. Develop and undertake complex statistical analyses appropriate to the work of the section and department.

5. Provide expert support and/or leadership for the control of major incidents or outbreaks of diseases covered within this section through incident management and outbreak control teams.

6. Interpret surveillance data and provide expert advice in response to Parliamentary Questions and requests from the media on healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance for the Communications Department.

7. Actively contribute to the process of critical review of evidence to support and direct the development of national guidelines and policies.

8. Represent the Division on national committees and working groups as appropriate.

Research

1. Design and submit research proposals and grant applications, including applications to ethics committees for approval to conduct specific research studies as appropriate.

2. Lead epidemiological research activities on mortality, in liaison with other section heads.

3. Disseminate key findings from section through peer-review publication and presentations at national and international level

4. Establish collaborative projects with leading researchers and specialists in academic, health service, public and voluntary sectors, including multi-centre and international projects and projects linking complex datasets across different sectors.

5. Negotiate with and provide feedback to research funding bodies over project specifications, budgets, milestones and progress.

6. Project manage scientific and administrative staff involved in grant funded research.

7. Take budgetary responsibility for grants obtained.

8. Write progress and final reports for externally funded projects

Management, Planning and Governance

Strategic and financial management

1. Serve on the AMR & HCAI Leadership & Management Group.

2. Participate in all aspects of strategic planning for the Division, including contributing to the Business Plan and identifying key targets for transfer to the Divisions Business Plans.

3. In liaison with the Divisions Head of Business Operations, monitor non-pay spending by the section, flagging any significant capital expenditure.

4. Act as budget holder and authorised signatory for section projects and Division-wide budgets, as appropriate.

5. Act as an authorised signatory for the Division non-pay budget.

6. Contribute to the Division's risk management strategy by identifying and evaluating key threats within the Division Risk Register.

7. Contribute to the Division Business Continuity Plan, ensuring that essential section services/activities are appropriately flagged.

Governance

1. As a member of the Division Leadership and Management Group, ensure Division scientific activities, operational mechanisms and staff training complies with UKHSA standards and governance requirements.

2. With respect to Equality & Diversity, identify policies and activities, within and in need of Equality Impact Assessments and ensure these are undertaken in accordance with current UKHSA schedule.

3. Chair governance and other committees as appropriate and requested by the Division Senior Management Team.

4. Represent the department on various scientific and non-scientific for example; ensure effective feedback to the Division from fora attended.

Staff management

1. To take forward internal training and development programmes including IPR and personal development planning, in collaboration with other senior members of the department.

2. To take a lead in the selection and recruitment of all staff within the section, including short-listing applicants and interviewing candidates selected for interview. Join interview panels for posts in other Departments for the selection of public health/epidemiological scientists.

3. Fulfil all line management responsibilities including appraisal and discipline of staff managed.

Publications and presentations

1. Direct the development of the Division's web content through collaboration with other section leads.

2. Participate in the Scientific Forum to help maintain the high standard of analytical work by staff in the Division and ensure Divisional representation at key scientific and medical conferences.

3. Present epidemiological findings at national and international meetings and conferences and supervise preparation of that of junior colleagues.

4. Write scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed journals and to supervise junior colleagues in the development of manuscripts.

Teaching and training

1. Design materials for, and undertake, teaching/lecturing, both within UKHSA and in external institutions to a range of audiences including post-graduate students, public health specialists and ministerial level foreign dignitaries.

2. Write chapters for clinical textbooks on the key infections covered by the section.

3. Provide specialist epidemiological and statistical advice and information on infections covered by the Division to healthcare staff, senior Department of Health and Social Care staff and members of the public and in response to media enquiries.

4. Undertake peer-review of grants and manuscripts as requested.

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 your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Division and organisation. It should be noted that the work of the Division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

This is not an exhaustive list, please see attached document for full list of duties.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

Higher degree in Epidemiology or an allied subject (MSc or equivalent) PhD in appropriate subject (e.g. Epidemiology) or equivalent experience evidenced by large number of peer review publications in relevant field Evidence of continuous professional and academic development Substantial epidemiological research and/or surveillance experience at a senior level Preparing and managing collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects and grants Advanced epidemiological and statistical techniques including use of common packages (e.g. STATA, SPSS, SAS, GLIM, R) Managing staff, surveillance systems and complex databases Substantial publication record and presenting scientific papers at national and international conferences Training and teaching at postgraduate level Ability to work as an effective team member Excellent written and oral communication skills Excellent analytical, judgmental and decision-making skills Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines Excellent skills in diplomacy and negotiation

Desirable criteria:

Microbiological/ virological experience Outbreak investigation Providing epidemiological information and advice to colleagues and external agencies.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 66,465, UK Health Security Agency contributes 19,254 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

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Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge, experience, skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency-based


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 14 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 1000 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 'meets all essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting.


Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of:

Substantial epidemiological research and/or surveillance experience at a senior level Preparing and managing collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects and grants Managing staff, surveillance systems and complex databases

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 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.


Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency based


You will be invited to a single remote interview.


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


There will be a Presentation, details to be confirmed to those applicants invited to interview.


Interview dates to be confirmed.


Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Selection Process

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.

Eligibility Criteria

External: 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 our Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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 on-site at Colindale.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. 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 vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

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.


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 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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The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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 : Lisa Tweedie Email : lisa.tweedie@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: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7348421