Job Description

Details

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Reference number

442419

Salary

28,547 - 33,196
Per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Executive Officer

Contract type

Fixed term

Length of employment

Fixed term until 30th June 2026

Business area

Epidemic & Emerging Infections - Antimicrobial Resistance & Healthcare Associated Infections

Type of role

Project Delivery

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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This role is being offered as hybrid working based in Gloucester.

About the job

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Job summary

The Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU) is a small research team based in Gloucester. It aims to prevent and improve the management of common infections in primary care through research, guidance, resource development and education of professionals, the general public and young people. We also work with GP practices, pharmacies, care homes, universities, schools, and the public to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and preventing infection. Our work involves creating educational resources and implementation tools for healthcare professionals, the public, and schools.


An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the PCIU to support research, and educational projects within the TARGET workstreams. The post holder will be geographically based in Gloucester, although will be able to work from home part of the week. The successful applicant will enjoy a varied role, that will focus on the development and implementation of resources and training packages to improve antimicrobial stewardship in primary care settings.

Job description

This post is within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Division of UKHSA. The mission of the division is to protect people from healthcare-associated and antimicrobial resistant infections, through world-leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, modelling, research and interventions.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To conduct and assist with the research undertaken in PCIU, covering infection prevention, antimicrobial use and intervention development and evaluation. To develop protocols for research and development activities and communicate with research team as necessary to plan timelines for delivery e.g. by updating a project timeline or GANTT chart for the lifetime of the project. To implement and utilise a range of quantitative research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all activities associated with research projects aiming to ensure project targets are met. To implement and utilise a range of qualitative research methods and analysis techniques to undertake and analyse interviews and focus groups. To apply behavioural science to the development of data collection tools, analysis and implications of research findings, including the development of interventions. To correspond with ethics committees and submit ethics applications and local approvals. To undertake needs assessments to inform the development of diagnostic or educational tools. To assist or conduct data collection such as surveys, interviews and focus groups (face to face and telephone) in line with Caldicott guidelines and GDPR. To conduct literature reviews of electronic databases and grey literature. To create, manage and manipulate databases (Access/Excel/Endnote/Epidata) including data input; cleaning, coding validation and verification of data sets; and supplying appropriate raw data sets to statisticians. To provide reports through descriptive analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets. To disseminate research through exhibiting/presenting at conferences, events and workshops; preparing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals. To assist with the updating, reviewing and administration of resources/tools and websites. To organize meetings, participate, take minutes and follow up as delegated. To undertake work in accordance with UKHSA?s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.

Professional Development

To identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a sensitive nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.


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 UKHSA.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Educated to MSc degree level or degree standard in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research or equivalent relevant experience at a similar level. Degree standard level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research or equivalent experience at a similar level. Be required to undertake higher level/advanced training in research methodologies and/or project management e.g. a professional doctorate. Professional/research experience in the field of public health, education, nursing, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research or related area. Research and IT skills, specifically in relation to qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, including conducting focus groups, interview techniques, developing questionnaires and data analysis. Self-motivated with meticulous time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise. Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently. Presentation skills. Skills for managing aspects of projects ensuring they meet financial targets. Skills for manipulating information. Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software.

Desirable Criteria

Previous experience in, or knowledge of, health interventions underpinned by behavioural science. Previous experience in project delivery. Good understanding of skills and experience in safe working practices.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes 8,270 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%

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: UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

Things you need to know

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Artificial intelligence

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.

Selection process details

Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency framework.


At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the job advert.


You will be required to complete an:

Application form (?Employer/ Activity history? section on the application) Up to 1,000 number of words supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 word count.

We will not accept a supporting statement over 1,000 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role.


You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV ? please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria
We will take the '

Meets all essential criteria'

pile through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the essential criteria of :

Research and IT skills, specifically in relation to qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, including conducting focus groups, interview techniques, developing questionnaires and data analysis

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.


Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview stage

You will be invited to a remote interview.


This vacancy is being assessed using Competency. During the interview we will assess against the below based on the Essential Criteria:

Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be based on:

Analysis of data from feedback given from a webinar

Further details will be sent prior to the 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

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

Salary

Grade EO National 28,547 - 33,196


If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based in Gloucester.


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 at Twyver House.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

DBS Requirement - due to the nature of the role:

Enhanced DBS

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.

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.



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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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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 : Sarah Handy Email : sarah.handy@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


https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/v7689273