Epidemiology and Information Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

The main duties will include:

• Epidemiological Investigations
  • Where appropriate, undertake specific steps of an epidemiological study under direction including to design and develop questionnaires e.g. using Select Survey, design and administer databases, prepare descriptive epidemiology, contribute to the production of scientific reports, and interview cases and controls.
  • Undertake complex analytical tasks and use common statistical, database and mapping software and tools to support analysis such as producing tables, graphs, maps etc and developing advanced queries.
• Data & Epidemiological Analyses
  • Maintain and improve databases, test functionality of new systems, validate the quality of data including use of automated routines and through audit and produce and update Standard Operating Procedures
  • Have knowledge of, apply and interpret basic statistical tests, conduct statistical analyses of surveillance data, produce reports and outputs using common statistical/database/mapping tools such as Stata, R, ArcGIS, network analysis, SQL, etc, respond to routine and more complex data requests and produce routine surveillance reports, including basic descriptive analysis and interpretation of results
  • Contribute to evaluation and epidemiological science activities through assuring data quality, undertaking complex data analyses and seeking to improve and enhance databases and systems.
  • Produce routine reports that include basic descriptive analyses and interpretation.
  • Undertake more complex analytical tasks using common software packages to support analysis such as advanced querying, data validation and pivot tables.
• Research
  • Support research through contribution to scientific papers and projects on public health surveillance, incidents and other activities as well as through designing study databases and sharing findings at conferences and meetings
  • Design a study database, and develop queries to analyse data, create automated reports, import/export data from a variety of sources, participate in the interpretation and analysis of research findings and the application of findings to practice and present internally or to local partners, present work/posters at scientific meetings and conferences
• Management and Leadership
• • To act as role model adhering to team professional standards, actively engage in meetings, identify potential problems and seek to resolve and undertake a lead role for a specific topic or function area, on behalf of the Division as a whole
  • Support the development of policies and protocols for use within the Division.
  • Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed.
  • Support/lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager.
  • Learn and maintain up-to-date scientific knowledge regarding epidemiology, surveillance and relevant public health interventions and contribute to the supervision and training colleagues and others as requested.
  • Contribute to teaching/training programmes and activities (including to the development of teaching material and courses) on surveillance, epidemiology information science, data management, information governance and quality and support ongoing training activities within the team and Division
• Quality and governance
  • Ensure that data transfer, extraction and storage of data are appropriate and identify data quality issues through audit and ensure analysis and outputs are clearly presented in an appropriate context

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• The post holder will identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with their line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
• To participate in all mandatory training as required

This is not an exhaustive list.

Essential criteria

• Educated to degree level in Public Health, Information Science , with a Master's qualification in public health or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of epidemiological investigation, surveillance principles, and public health data management, including data quality, security, transmission, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong analytical skills with experience applying descriptive epidemiology, basic statistical methods with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient in the use of epidemiological, statistical, database, and mapping software packages, including tools such as Stata, R, GIS, network analysis, SQL, or similar platforms.
• Sound understanding of information governance requirements, including data protection and confidentiality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders
• Strong organisational, prioritisation, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently, and demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Desirable criteria

• Training or experience in validating data including automated routines
• Knowledge of health and social care environment, and an awareness of surveillance and epidemiology and information flows in the NHS and allied services
• Line management experience including appraising staff and managing performance
• Proven scientific report writing skills

Selection process

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe listed7essentialcriteria,and this will be in the form of:

• an application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• a 500wordsupporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills,experienceandknowledgeprovide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.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 beadvisedyou will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

HealthjobsUK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than500 words. We will not consider any words over500words.

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

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Educated to degree level in Public Health, Information Science , with a Master's qualification in public health or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of epidemiological investigation, surveillance principles, and public health data management, including data quality, security, transmission, analysis, and reporting.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.

You will be required to prepare a 5 minute presentation as part of the interview. The details of this will be based around an epidemiological analyses that you have performed.

Interviews dates are to be confirmed.

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 hybrid working based at any of our Core HQs Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool or London (Canary Wharf) or our Scientific Campus in Porton Down.

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) on-site.

Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Eligibility criteria

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

Security clearance level requirement

Part 1

Successful candidates must pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) check before they can be appointed.

Part 2

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. If you based at one of our Core HQs, the level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. If you are based at our Porton Down Scientific Campus, the level of security needed is Counter-Terrorism Check clearance.

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 to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

• Application form and supporting statement

Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities

• Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities

Presentation

• Presentation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Core HQs or Scientific Campus

Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London or Porton Down

E14 4PU

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency