Job Description

Details

-----------


###

Reference number

416023
###

Salary

58,589 - 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 contract - 12 months from start date###

Type of role

Science###

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

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


London, London (region), NW9 5EQ

About the job

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

###

Job summary

The pathogen genomics senior scientist will provide technical and scientific expertise, for the development and implementation of a new genomics driven nationwide wastewater monitoring and surveillance capability. The post holder will work closely with the Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead and wider scientific teams to support the development and implementation of genomics services.


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 need to have:

A good understanding of genomics and molecular biology for the study of infectious diseases and ideally some bioinformatics experience, specifically within Genomics. Excellent genomics knowhow and hands on experience in the diversity of genome sequencing approaches. Great communication skills will be needed to train others, engage with users, and share knowhow. A strong understanding of the relevant technologies, applications and limitations or strengths of, for pathogen genomics will be important.

This exciting programme will be at the forefront of development of new genomic capabilities for wastewater monitoring and surveillance of human pathogens. The post holder will lead on developing rapid targeted sequencing and metagenomic methodologies for pathogens from wastewater, across our suites of Illumina and ONT platforms. We are seeking a dynamic, applied research genomics scientist, who has R&D and implementation expertise, someone who is proactive, keen to translate genomic R&D to new services for wastewater. A key aim will be the acceleration of development to implementation of new automated genomic capabilities for the analyses of wastewater, 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.

###

Job description

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 demonstrating 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 and optimised molecular and genomic workflows for the monitoring and surveillance of pathogens from wastewater. Work with the Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead as an enabler of a nationwide scale wastewater capability. Work with colleagues across the team, UKHSA wide and with external organisations to accelerate R&D, and support implementation of new wastewater capabilities, which can automated, for a diversity of human pathogens. Focus on the development of a new pathogen genomic wastewater monitoring and surveillance capability. Support the Pathogen Genomics Scientific team, developing genomic workflows, for a variety of different pathogens. Provide expert public health genomics advice and support, underpinned by data driven decision making. Analyse and interprete genomics run data, QC and outputs from common bioinformatic tools, to support interpretation and analyses of new methods and troubleshooting. Leverage innovative solutions, 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 in the delivery of our genomics strategy so therefore must be a highly motivated, solutions focused team player who is 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.

###

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

PhD or equivalent additional training, with degree across biological sciences Significant postgraduate practical and theoretical experience of genomics Experience in working with clinical samples or diagnostic testing Extensive experience, working knowledge and competency of genomics and/or bioinformatics Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams e.g. across wet lab, bioinformatics, quality etc Experience providing technical advice, scientific problem solving, R&D and applied sciences Experience with automation, liquid handling, development and operation Strong data analysis skills and experience. As well as the presentation/communicating complex data to a wide range of stakeholders both technical and non-technical Understands the application of genomics for public health across virology and bacteriology Experience of critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and cost-effective practices Good organisation skills with ability to multi-task and particular attention to detail Communication skills - able to convey instructions, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing Training and teaching skills - aptitude for developing staff skills and capabilities Able to deputise as needed for the scientific lead, working with others and leading on task deliverables Willingness to travel, some activities are likely to require visiting other national laboratories

Benefits

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


Alongside your salary of 58,589, UK Health Security Agency contributes 16,973 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 is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 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 postgraduate practical and theoretical experience of genomics Experience in working with clinical samples or diagnostic testing

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) Communicating and Influencing Working Together Working at Pace


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).

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/

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Organisation info

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

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.

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.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.



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

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


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

####

Job contact :

Name : Harry McCullagh Email : harry.mccullagh@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 here.