Research Assistant

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.

Our work supports the UK Government's efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including the UK AMR 20-Year Vision and the National Action Plan (2025-2029).

We collaborate with a wide range of partners to create educational resources and conduct research that informs and evaluates interventions.

Examples of our work include:

o TARGET antibiotics toolkit hubo e-Bug educational website

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.

Main duties of the job

To conduct and assist with the research undertaken in the PCIU covering infection prevention, antimicrobial use and intervention development and evaluation.
To develop protocols for research & 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 & telephone) in line with Caldicott guidelines and GDPR.
To conduct literature reviews of electronic databases and grey literature.
To disseminate research through exhibiting/presenting at conferences, events and workshops; preparing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.

The above is not an exhaustive list.

About us

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

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 organise meetings, participate, take minutes and follow up as delegated.
To undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.

Professional Development

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 organisation.

Essential Criteria

Educated to MSc degree or degree standard level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research OR equivalent demonstrable experience in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research.
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
Be required to undertake higher level/advanced training in research methodologies and/or project management e.g. a professional doctorate.
Self-motivated with meticulous time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise.
Professional/research experience in the field of public health, education, nursing, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research or related area.
Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently.
Presentation skills.

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.

Application & Sift (Competency-based)

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete:

an Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application)
a 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over this amount

The first 200 words of your Supporting Statement must clearly demonstrate how you meet the Essential Criteria 1 & 2 listed in this job advert. This will enable early identification of applications that meet the key requirements of the role.

The remainder of your Supporting Statement should address the other 5 Essential Criteria (3-7) listed in this job advert. Your Supporting Statement 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 Supporting 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 or email us 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 2 piles of:

Meets all Essential Criteria
Meets no Essential Criteria

If no evidence is demonstrated in the first 200 words of your Supporting Statement on how you meet the Essential Criteria 1 & 2 listed in this job advert,your application will be placed in the "Meets No Essential Criteria" pile and will not progress toShortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following 2 Essential Criteria:

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.

At Shortlisting you will be scored on all of the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview (Competency-based)

You will be invited to a single remote interview. Interview date(s) to be confirmed.

During the interview we will assess against your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-minute presentation at the start of the interview. The subject of this will be an analysis of data from webinar feedback. Additional information on the topic and format will be shared prior to interview. This is to further assess your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities.

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 as well as internal applicants.

As the role is fixed term and 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 UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. 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 UKHSAs Pay policy.

Salary Information

Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)EO (National): £28,547 - £33,196 per annum, pro-rata

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 at Twyver House, Bruton Way, Gloucester GL1 1DQ.

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 our Gloucester office.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass an Enhanced disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Person Specification

Application Form & Supporting Statement

Essential

Application Form & Supporting Statement

Interview

Essential

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities
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

Hybrid working based at Twyver House, Gloucester

Gloucester

GL1 1DQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

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