Job Description

Details

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Reference number

401355
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Salary

54,416 - 68,344
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade

Grade 7###

Contract type

Permanent###

Type of role

Science

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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Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London- Canary Wharf (Core HQs)

About the job

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Job summary

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.


This position is based in the Evaluation and Epidemiological Sciences Division, in the Scientific Strategy and Evidence Directorate. This division sits within the Chief Scientific Officer Group in UKHSA.


The Evaluation & Epidemiological Sciences Division delivers core functions across UKHSA aligned to the following areas:

Identify evaluation and epidemiology science priorities which are focused on scientific, research or public health needs & co-ordinate activities to address those Lead and collaborate on urgent or high impact evaluations which meet identified health security needs Provide a rapid evaluation and epidemiology science advice function to support standard & enhanced response IMTs as appropriate Provide evaluation & epidemiology science advice to the Centre for Climate and Health Security and the Centre for Pandemic Preparedness and other subject matter expert teams within UKHSA Establish strategic links with key internal & external stakeholders including the Behavioural Science & Evaluation HPRU leading to delivery of joint priorities and external funding applications for discrete activities Support the translation of scientific evidence into policy and practice as appropriate, working closely with the Behavioural Science & Insights Division and the Research Management & Knowledge Division. ###

Job description

The Senior Epidemiology Scientist works closely with colleagues to provide support across a number of areas. Specifically, this post will provide senior scientific support to evaluations and epidemiological science priorities identified through business as usual and as part of UKHSA incident response and collaborating with other internal and external partners. This will include leading and managing the technical and analytical aspects of evaluation and epidemiological science activities, and leading and supporting a team in carrying out these tasks. This post will require management of projects and of staff.


The post holder will be expected to identify and develop the means to answer key questions in the evaluation of public health programmes and to provide clear evidence-based advice. They will be expected to lead major epidemiological research programmes and to collaborate with external stakeholders to seek research funding where necessary.


The post holder will also lead on writing reports on specific projects, regular and ad hoc publications and peer reviewed publications.


The post holder will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and professional accountability and maintain an up to date knowledge of developments in the field through continuing professional development.


The post holder must have the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues to influence decision-making. They should demonstrate previous experience in developing and managing projects or delivering high-quality scientific outputs. They will pay close attention to detail, be highly motivated and have excellent interpersonal skills.


This post may require regular travel within the geographical area of responsibility and travel elsewhere/nationally.

Data & Epidemiological Analyses

Identify evaluation and epidemiology science needs within given lead areas (including horizon scanning), conduct complex statistical analyses and interpret surveillance data, making appropriate recommendations, and translating it in to public health action, develop automated routines and solutions and supervise / assure on the preparation, quality and delivery of routine and ad hoc reports Authorise /manage complex or sensitive data requests and in the development of outputs and statistical analysis Responsible for planning, implementing and maintaining high quality epidemiological outputs to meet stakeholder needs, providing expert technical advice whilst assessing the current and future political /economic /scientific /technological /legal /environmental influences on team work Take a lead role in public health scientific analyses and writing reports on specific projects, regular and ad hoc publications and peer reviewed publications Oversee routine surveillance activities across specific topic areas, including routine outputs, evaluating and responding to local needs.

Epidemiological Investigations

Lead and manage the technical and analytical aspects of epidemiological investigations including advising on study design, writing protocols for analytical studies, overseeing questionnaire design and study database development, training interviewers, preparing reports and supervising and supporting investigations.

Strategic Thinking and Partnership Working

Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders and partners across the Science Group, wider UKHSA and other colleagues as appropriate to role Identify and/or provide subject matter expertise and utilise effectively the various forms of engagement available to develop comprehensive stakeholder relationships Manage delivery of agreed work programme including timely reporting to stakeholders and work in partnership to ensure needs of stakeholders are met. Forge close working relationships across team/department/directorate boundaries to facilitate an effective matrix style approach to delivery of workstreams identifying areas of interdependency and forging links as appropriate Manage at times, challenging and/or conflicting subject matter problems in day-to-day work load referring/escalating to as appropriate.

Audit, Quality and Governance

Collaborate with colleagues across the Division to improve standards and consistency across the team, evaluate teaching sessions and undertake and supervise audits as part of the team audit programme.

Research

Identify research questions, project manage a research study, analyse datasets with appropriate methodology to answer research questions, and translate results into public health action Perform systematic reviews of literature, co-author grant proposals/applications (including applying for ethical approval), present at scientific conferences, programme area meetings and other fora, and publish and present scientific papers in collaboration with health, public health, academic and other partners.

Management and Leadership

To be a visible, positive and competent role model and motivator, monitoring team professional standards. Adopt a senior leadership role for scientists and represent the Evaluation & Epidemiology Science Division at UKHSA and external scientific fora Be member of Evaluation & Epidemiology Science Division senior management teams, with involvement in business planning and development of evaluation, research and training strategies. Support senior managers to ensure day-to-day operational delivery of the Divisional functions, its responsibilities and resources are fully equipped and fit for purpose. Deputize where appropriate, using leadership approaches and skills Effective line management of staff (if applicable) to ensure flexibility and capacity to meet the team's needs. This will include recruitment and selection, support and ongoing performance discussions including setting clear objectives, enabling staff to meet these with access to appropriate induction, training and development opportunities and managing any employee relations issues within the team.

Teaching and Training

Teach colleagues and stakeholders on evaluation and epidemiology science, support ongoing training activities within the department, develop teaching material and courses, assess teaching requirements of team and colleagues and supervise MSc and other short term team attachments.

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

OTHER DUTIES

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 the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Please see attached job description for a full list of duties.

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Person specification

Essential criteria (to be assessed via application form)

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent level in relevant subject (e.g. Biological science, epidemiology, public health) or equivalent experience. MSc in Epidemiology, or allied discipline or equivalent experience/education

Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reporting Experience of interpreting and evaluating complex epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses and performing analytical epidemiology Demonstrable experience of public health, health protection or epidemiology including epidemiology for incident investigations Knowledge and experience of common statistical tests, modelling and analyses and interpret results appropriately, including for research purposes

Skills and Capabilities

Able to build and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and key stakeholders, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven presentation and scientific report writing skills Proven capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly People supervisory and leadership skills that empower, support, and develop teams to encourage high performance and enable team members to reach their full potential People supervisory and leadership skills that empower, support, and develop teams to encourage high performance and enable team members to reach their full potential An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Additional Essential Criteria (to be assessed at interview)

Experience of using advanced epidemiological and statistical software packages Experience of teaching epidemiology and/or surveillance and able to facilitate a learning culture Experience of effective line management Understanding of information governance including data protection and confidentiality requirements Ability to make decisions autonomously, engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support whilst working to tight and often changing timescales

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 54,416, UK Health Security Agency contributes 15,764 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

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience, 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 listed 11 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 750 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

The pile 'meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting stage.


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

Experience of interpreting and evaluating complex epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses and performing analytical epidemiology and People supervisory and leadership skills that empower, support, and develop teams to encourage high performance and enable team members to reach their full potential.

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 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.


Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency-based


You will be invited to a single remote interview.


Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview


There will be a 5-10 minute presentation- details will be confirmed to those invited to interview.


Interviews dates 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.

Selection Process

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ's. 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 one of UKHSA's core HQ's (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London).


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).

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)

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.

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.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers



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
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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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The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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 : Lisa Tweedie Email : lisa.tweedie@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


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7144292