Job Description

The pathogen genomics scientist will provide technical and scientific expertise, bringing knowhow of transitioning applications from R&D to implemented services or products. The post holder will work closely with the Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead and wider scientific teams. Support the development and implementation of genomics services related to wastewater monitoring and surveillance of human pathogens.



This post will work cross departmentally, between Science and The Chief Data Officer Group (CDO) with colleagues across UKHSA and wider, comprising a large diverse community of genomic scientists, microbiology specialists, bioinformaticians, data analysts, modellers, epidemiologists and other experts. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface between cutting edge genomics and data analysis. Supporting our ambitions to create a nationwide scale wastewater monitoring and surveillance capability, working with several collaborators across UKHSA, government and academia. Working together, this exciting programme will be at the forefront of translational innovation, developing new genomic capabilities for wastewater monitoring and surveillance of human pathogens.



The post holder will work with colleagues who are based across the country at different sites and/or who work remotely.

The post holder will:

Have a good understanding of genomics and molecular biology for the study of infectious diseases and ideally some bioinformatics experience, specifically within Genomics.



Have excellent genomics knowhow and hands on experience in the diversity of genome sequencing approaches.



Have great communication skills and will be required to train others, engage with users, and share knowhow.



Support the review, validation of new genomic services, end to end and collaborate with scientists across these areas.



Have a strong understanding of the relevant technologies, applications and limitations or strengths of, for pathogen genomics will be important.



They postholder will help drive the development of new wastewater, genomic driven capabilities, in particular rapid targeted sequencing and metagenomic methodologies for a diversity of pathogens, across our suites of Illumina and ONT platforms. We are seeking a dynamic, applied research genomics scientist, who has a R&D and implementation expertise, someone who is proactive, keen to translate genomic R&D to new genomic services across our network of laboratories. A key aim will be the acceleration of development to implementation of new genomic capabilities, aligned with our genomics strategy and stakeholder needs, across our national network of laboratories. This includes the development and evaluation of new genomic methods, optimise current workflows, supporting service development and horizon scanning.



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



This is a collaborative, hands on role, supporting the modernisation of genomic technologies and workflows for wastewater. The post holder will:



Bridge research, development, and innovation with practicable implemented solutions pathogen genomic applications.



Create and demonstrate a new nationwide in scale pathogen genomic wastewater capability.



Develop genomic workflows, ensuring they are cheap, fast, more accurate and more accessible.



Support development and optimisation of laboratory Pathogen Genomics waste water services, providing high quality analyses that meet clinical and scientific requirements and comply with best practice, and are safe, economical, and effective.



Provide technical and scientific expertise, for the development of new or optimised genomic workflows in support of genomics driven, national scale, wastewater monitoring and surveillance.



Work with the Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead and working with colleagues across the team, UKHSA wide and with external organisation



Accelerate R&D, and support implementation of new innovative capabilities for pathogen monitoring and surveillance in wastewater, from development of sample extraction through to end point molecular and genomic assays.



Support the Pathogen Genomics Scientific team, developing new or optimising current genomic workflows, for a variety of different pathogens from wastewater.



Have a hands-on role, so extensive expertise in wet lab genomic methodologies is critical and ideally bioinformatics knowhow to optimise and troubleshoot real time.



Provide expert public health genomics advice and support, underpinned by data driven decision making. Therefore, must be able to analyse and interpret genomics run data, QC and outputs from common bioinformatic tools, to support interpretation and analyses of new methods and troubleshooting.



Leverage innovative solutions, have great communication skills, and public health genomics expertise.



Be an enabler of knowledge exchange, working with expert and non-expert stakeholders, to bridge R&D with implementation.



Support the delivery of our genomics strategy so therefore, must be a highly motivated, solutions focused team player able to work across a diversity of teams and expertise.



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.

Essential Criteria:

MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical / microbiological / biological science or equivalent level experience in biological sciences



Significant experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing, molecular methods including real time PCR, sequencing and troubleshooting assay



Experience in working with clinical samples or diagnostic testing



Good record keeping, attention to detail



Experience of developing or technology transferring new sequencing targets



Experience of programming, developing, and implementing automation in the laboratory



Substantive experience of infectious disease diagnostic or research



Experience of using high throughput sequencing technologies and related sample preparation



Ability to work in a team and individually to deadlines



Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences



Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.



Willing to undertake the necessary vaccinations and security clearance



Able to participate in surge/outbreak cover situations as required



Selection process details



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

Stage 1 - Application & Sift:

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 13 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:



Application form ( ' Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)



Up to 1250-word supporting statement



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



Meets all and Meets Some essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting:

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



Significant experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing, molecular methods including real time PCR, sequencing and troubleshooting assay



Please do not exceed 1250 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.



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.



Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2:

Interview (success profiles)



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



Behaviours, technical, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviour's tested during the interview stage will be:

Developing Self and Others (lead)



Working at Pace



Communicating and Influencing



Working Together



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 office based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.



If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.



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.