Epidemiology and Information Scientist

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will:

• Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
• Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
• Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
• Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
• Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.

Job overview

The FS also provides effective leadership and coordination of the UKHSA applied epidemiology training function.

Main duties of the job

Exceedances will also be investigated.

The interface with local, regional and national colleagues, as well as with external stakeholders, will be an important feature of this role.

Specific duties of the role may vary depending on the site and teams/functions.

1. 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 outbreak databases, prepare descriptive epidemiology, contribute to the production of outbreak reports, investigate exceedances and interview cases and controls.
2. 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.

Continues below

Working for our organisation

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

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

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Continued from above

1. Maintain and improve databases for surveillance of infectious diseases, test functionality of new surveillance systems, validate the quality of surveillance data including use of automated routines and through audit and produce and update Standard Operating Procedures
2. 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
3. Contribute to surveillance activities through assuring data quality, undertaking complex data analyses and seeking to improve and enhance databases and systems.
4. Produce routine surveillance reports that include basic descriptive analyses and interpretation.
5. Undertake more complex analytical tasks using common software packages to support analysis such as advanced querying, data validation and pivot tables.

1. Support research through contribution to scientific papers and projects on public health surveillance, outbreaks and infectious disease control as well as through designing study databases and sharing findings at conferences and meetings
2. 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

1. 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 service as a whole
2. Support the development of policies and protocols for use within the team/department.
3. Contribute to specified quality improvement and governance initiatives as agreed.
4. Support/lead projects and support defined areas of work as agreed with line manager.
5. 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.
6. 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 Service

1. 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

• 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, i.e. safeguarding, fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

This is not an exhaustive list please see Job description document for full list of duties

Selection Process Details

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

Competency-based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 10 listed essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1000 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how 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

We will take piles 'Meets all essential criteria' and 'Meets some essential criteria' through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on these lead criteria:

• Knowledge of epidemiological/outbreak investigation
• Knowledge or experience of basic statistical tests, performing descriptive epidemiology with strong analytical skills, excellent accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficient in a common statistical/database/mapping tool such as Stata, R, GIS, network analysis, SQL, etc.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description).

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

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

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.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency-based

You will be invited to a single remote interview.

During the interview we will assess against the below:

• Knowledge and experience
• Skills and Abilities
• Equality and diversity

There will be a 5 minute presentation- details to be confirmed to those who are invited to interview.

Interviews will be held week commencing 7th April. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

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

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

Location

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). 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).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

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

Person specification

Qualification 1

• Degree in public health or information science or equivalent experience

Qualification 2

• Masters qualification in relevant discipline (e.g. public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, microbiology, other biological sciences or maths) or equivalent experience

Knowledge and Experience 1

• Knowledge of epidemiological/outbreak investigation

Knowledge and Experience 2

• Knowledge or experience of basic statistical tests, performing descriptive epidemiology with strong analytical skills, excellent accuracy and attention to detail

Knowledge and Experience 3

• Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data(base) management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reporting

Knowledge and Experience 4

• Experience of using computer and database software packages for epidemiological and statistical software packages

Knowledge and Experience 5

• Understand information governance including data protection and confidentiality requirements

Skills and Capabilities 1

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Skills and Capabilities 2

• Proficient in a common statistical/database/mapping tool such as Stata, R, GIS, network analysis, SQL, etc.

Skills and Capabilities 3

• Able to maintain effective relationships with co-workers and key stakeholders

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.

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) (opens in a new window)
• 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

For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)

Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.

For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.

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.

Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.

Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. 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: [email protected] 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.

Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.

UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.

If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

Benefits of working at UKHSA include:

• Generous annual leave:
• 26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
• 28 days after 5 years of continuous service
• 32 days after 10 years of continuous service
• Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
• We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
• We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.

Hybrid Working

UKHSA operates 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 usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.

Disability Confident Scheme

If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.

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 take into account 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 could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.