Job Description

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.



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 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 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.

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



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).



Security Clearance Level Requirement



Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.