Job Description

Details

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Reference number

433526
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Salary

46,310 - 52,113
Per annum pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade

Senior Executive Officer#

Contract type

Permanent

Fixed term

Loan

Secondment#

Length of employment

1 permanent role. 1 Fixed-term role until 31/10/2026#

Type of role

Science#

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

2

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, London




This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our lab. 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).

About the job

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Job summary

We are looking for two Senior Scientist to join the Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV (BSHSH) Division.


The postholders will be part of a dynamic team responsible for delivering the development, management, and coordination of surveillance systems for communicable diseases.


The permanent role will focus on the evaluation of interventions to prevent STIs/BBVs. The fixed-term role will work on an evaluation of opt-out bloodborne virus testing in emergency departments.


The (BSHSH) Division is the national centre for surveillance of hepatitis, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England. It is within the Public Health Programmes (PHP)Directorate of the Chief Medical Advisor's Group (CMA) and is based mainly in Colindale, north London.


The Division works closely with other Divisions, particularly Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Health Equity, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance and Reference and Specialist Microbiology Services and with the Analytics and Data Sciences Directorate and Health Protection Operations. The Division also works in partnership with both national and regional teams in the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), NHS England and NHS Improvement and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).


The Division is also closely involved with the work of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded Health Protection Research Units, which are collaborative ventures involving UKHSA and academia.


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

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Job description

The postholders will lead on behalf of the division on developing and designing datasets, managing the collation and validation of data, and the timely production of outputs (e.g. reports and articles). The postholders will be expected to lead on the analysis of datasets, to provide advice and guidance on specialist aspects of the analyses, to interpret and prepare scientific reports and articles of the results and to undertake further research. The postholders will contribute to the teaching activities of the division. These posts will require project management and management of staff.


In general, the postholders will be expected to cope with multiple and changing demands, and to meet tight deadlines. The postholders will be expected to have a high level of intellectual rigour and to advise and make recommendations regarding the development of strategy and implementation of systems. A high level of tact and diplomacy is required and an ability to understand other cultures to enable effective working across organisational boundaries and influencing without authority.

Surveillance

Develop, manage and maintain the surveillance databases. Manage existing national surveillance systems and co-ordinate the development of new surveillance systems for hepatitis, HIV and/or STIs and to supervise and advise junior scientific and administrative staff in the maintenance and development of integrated or enhanced surveillance datasets. Conduct complex statistical analyses of data drawn from a variety of surveillance sources in response to ad hoc enquiries from Government agencies, international agencies (ECDC, WHO), public health practitioners, academics and members of the public. Advise scientific and administrative staff conducting routine analyses of surveillance datasets for standardised outputs and ad hoc enquiries. Supervise junior scientific colleagues and the administrative team in the production of surveillance reports and publications. Help coordinate the activities of scientists in partner institutes involved in collaborative surveillance programmes. Provide technical advice and assistance to public health practitioners on the design, maintenance, analysis and interpretation of surveillance databases. Assist in the design and development of new surveillance and data management systems in response to developments in the application of microbiological typing methods including contributing to the drafting of Standard Operating Procedures. Write or contribute to the drafting of scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed journals and detailed reports for UKHSA or Government departments.

Outbreak Investigation

Manage the technical and analytical aspects of outbreak investigations, under the supervision of the Senior/Consultant lead, by:

designing outbreak databases; liaising with relevant specialists to collect epidemiological data; coordinating and advising incident teams; interviewing clinicians and patients to collect clinical and risk factor data during incidents; overseeing data entry and ensuring quality control of databases; collating and interpreting epidemiological and microbiological data drawn from a variety of sources; conducting complex statistical analyses of datasets; providing statistical analyses for government agencies, health protection units and others; writing briefing notes and situation reports; presenting epidemiological data to Incident Management Teams; contributing to the production of outbreak reports and subsequent publication

Research

Contribute to the development of research proposals. Coordinate the collection and collation of data from collaborators based in specialist laboratories and other institutions throughout the UK. Conduct statistical analyses of epidemiological and microbiological data for grant funded research projects and UKHSA programmes. Provide complex statistical analyses of surveillance/research datasets to academic units and other agencies involved in collaborative epidemiological and microbiological research studies under the guidance of the project leader. Contribute to the process of writing scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed journals and project reports to funding bodies.

Publications and Presentations

Supervise scientific and administrative staff in the production of departmental outputs and editorial material for the Health Protection Report. Produce surveillance newsletters and/or reports. Present epidemiological findings at national and international meetings and conferences. Regularly update the BSHSH webpages with data and associated information.

Teaching and Training

Develop and present lectures, and teaching materials on the epidemiology and surveillance of hepatitis, HIV and/or STIs for UKHSA, university postgraduate and professional development training programmes. Contribute to the training for new members of staff on the epidemiology and surveillance of hepatitis, HIV and STIs.

Other

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the roles. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required. The job descriptions and person specifications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Professional Development

Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attend internal and external training events. Participate in all mandatory training as required (e.g. information governance training).

Key Working Relationships

The postholders will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

Medical, scientific, ICT/bioinformatics and administrative colleagues within BSHSH and the CPH Group; Staff in other divisions of UKHSA, especially colleagues in Laboratory Services; Colleagues in the UKHSA Statistics Unit, Field Services, Local Health Protection Teams and the Communications Dept; Patient networks and charities; Department of Health and Social Care; British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH); British HIV Association; European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); Local government; Devolved administrations (Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales); Other clinical, public health, scientific and academic staff at NHS Trusts, national, regional and local institutions within and outside the UK; members of the public. #

Person specification

Essential criteria

First degree in a science subject. Higher degree in Epidemiology, Public Health or an allied subject, or equivalent. Postgraduate work/study in public health, epidemiology or an allied subject. Interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data, using Access/ SQL databases, spreadsheets, statistical and graphics packages to an advanced level. Statistical analysis of large and complex epidemiological datasets. Managing epidemiological studies and/or outbreak investigation. Writing scientific papers and/or project reports. Ability to analyse, summarise and interpret complex epidemiological data. Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly to include excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work on several separate tasks at the same time, whilst keeping to agreed deadlines. Demonstrated capability to act upon incomplete information, using experience to make inferences and decision making. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 46,310, UK Health Security Agency contributes 13,416 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

Application & Sift

These vacancies are using a Competency-based 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). 1500 word Supporting Statement.

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 C.V - please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)


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

Postgraduate work/study in public health, epidemiology or an allied subject. Ability to analyse, summarise and interpret complex epidemiological data. Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly to include excellent oral and written communication skill.

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

We will take forward those who meet all essential criteria.

Interview

You will be invited to a remote interview. During the interview we will assess against the below:

Knowledge, Experience & Skills, and Abilities based on the essential criteria.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The presentation subject is:


Summarise a journal article of your choice that reports on the public health evaluation of an intervention to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or Blood-borne Viruses (BBVs).


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

Option 1 - External

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


For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.

DBS Requirement:

Basic DBS

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) 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.


Please note: 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.

For Fixed term posts

For Temporary Appointments

, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.

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.

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.


Link below:


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.



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
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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

Job contact :

Name : Sarah Handy Email : sarah.handy@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.


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/v7533497