Job summary
Head of Population Cancer Research
Data, Knowledge and Research Directorate - Public Health Wales.
Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit
Band: 8a - 1.0 FTE (37.5 hrs), - permanent
Close: 15 October 2023
Interview: 25 October 2023
The interview will take place virtually
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
Are you a strategic leader in the field of population health research or advanced epidemiology? Are you passionate about the potential of linked data across the health sector and wider health determinants to create new knowledge and insights that can improve cancer outcomes, reduce inequalities and prevent cancer? If so, come and join us! This is a fantastic opportunity to lead our domestic and international research agenda with health services and academia across the globe.
The Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit of Public Health Wales is searching for a highly motivated research leader with extensive experience of epidemiology or other population health research involving data linkage and high-level analysis for this pivotal permanent position with hybrid working.
You will develop an original research programme with internal resources and seek considerable external funding. You will develop a new research team that needs to grow rapidly. You will collaborate with our evolving internal teams of analysts and data scientists, as well as with researchers across NHS Wales, but also with cancer registries, academia and governmental/non-governmental organisations in Wales, across the UK and internationally (e.g. World Health Organization International Agency for Cancer Research, Lyon and the European Network of Cancer Registries).
About us
Public Health Wales is the National Public Health Institute in Wales. Our vision is 'Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales'. We play a pivotal role in driving improvements in population health and well-being, reducing health inequalities, improving healthcare outcomes, protecting the public and supporting the development of health in all policies across Wales.
Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change. We are an organisation that places ourselves at the heart of supporting people, communities, partners, and the Welsh Government in addressing these major challenges and providing solutions for action.
Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description
Job responsibilities
We work very closely with colleagues at the SAIL Databank trusted research environment, Swansea University. In particular, you will maintain and enhance our collaborations with existing international cancer epidemiology research programmes with opportunities to network and present work at world-class conferences. Ideally, you possess a PhD or equivalent qualification and we will endeavour to seek an honorary academic position for you.
For an informal discussion about your potential new role at Public Health Wales or about living and working in Wales, feel free to contact Professor Dyfed Wyn Huws, Director of the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit dyfed.huws@wales.nhs.uk
As a senior member of the team, your role will be wide-ranging and demand a broad set of skills.
Please see attached job description and person specification for full details of role
Job description
Job responsibilities
We work very closely with colleagues at the SAIL Databank trusted research environment, Swansea University. In particular, you will maintain and enhance our collaborations with existing international cancer epidemiology research programmes with opportunities to network and present work at world-class conferences. Ideally, you possess a PhD or equivalent qualification and we will endeavour to seek an honorary academic position for you.
For an informal discussion about your potential new role at Public Health Wales or about living and working in Wales, feel free to contact Professor Dyfed Wyn Huws, Director of the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit dyfed.huws@wales.nhs.uk
As a senior member of the team, your role will be wide-ranging and demand a broad set of skills.
Please see attached job description and person specification for full details of role
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to at least Masters level or equivalent level of experience in a suitable field of epidemiology, population/public health, data science or equivalent
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Educated to PhD level in relevant subject
- Post-graduate management qualification or equivalent level of experience and Application Form Certificate / Registration Check Author: Dyfed Wyn Huws Date: 03/05/19 Status: V0c Version: 1 Page 12 of 15 Classification: proven ability to perform at this level
- Qualification in epidemiology/ data science/ Public Health / or similar at Graduate or Post Grad Cert level
Experience
Essential
- At least Masters level or equivalent research experience, or equivalent,in the fields of epidemiology, data science or quantitative population-health In-depth experience of a broad range of population health and epidemiological activities, and research methodology Experience of successfully leading and implementing population research studies Experience of managing budgets Experience of working with a range of agencies across sectors Experience of successfully leading and implementing project driven change management Experience of working with external partners and seeking external funding.
Desirable
- Post-doctoral research experience, or equivalent, in the fields of epidemiology, data science or quantitative population-health Experience of working in a senior role in Research/Public Health/epidemiol ogy/data science Working in the public or academic sector, understanding the environmental and "political" context in which they operate. Experience of working in the field of population-based cancer research
Skills and Experience
Essential
- High level of scientific, analytical, and technical skills. Proficient in the use and of software applications, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Statistical analysis Excellent communication and time management skills Ability to communicate highly complex technical concepts and analysis effectively to different organisations and audiences; including formal reports, scientific papers and presentations e.g. Board level and UK wide and international conferences, and also community groups or representatives Ability to provide, receive and record both routine and highly complex communications, electronically, orally and written Ability to overcome barriers associated with conveying highly complex technical information to a non-technical audience Ability to organise, plan and prioritise a complex strategic programme to meet appropriate deadlines typically involving other disciplines/organisations/sectors Ability to work closely with people in other disciplines and form professional working relationships Ability to carry out analysis, interpretation and comparison of complex information, data, change management and service improvement issues, and to act as an expert reference point Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with team members and other staff Show an ability to gain an understanding of other professionals 'problem solving' requirements Ability to focus, concentrate and accurately complete tasks within given timeframes whilst dealing with unscheduled interruptions e.g. changing priorities. Ability to lead and develop research and development skills.
Desirable
- Ability to speak Welsh/willingness to learn
Knowledge
Essential
- In depth knowledge of research governance, methodology and clinical knowledge Peer reviewed Publications in Scientific Journals Demonstrate working knowledge of Microsoft Office and statistical analysis packages. ECDL Level 2 or equivalent Understand the requirements of Information Governance in relation to the NHS
Desirable
- Up to date knowledge of developments in Welsh Government strategies/policies in relation to health and wellbeing Understanding of determinants of health and health inequalities
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Flexible to meet the needs of the work programme Able to act independently, decisively and effectively in leading a programme Able to watch and listen to and interpret key messages and respond appropriately Able to effectively and appropriately deal with criticism and challenging people and situations Able to positively and creatively challenge current thinking in order to develop new and better policy and operational working practices Able to significantly influence others who are based externally, to achieve national targets without any direct authority Committed to ongoing professional development Committed to equality of opportunity Can demonstrate self motivation, initiative, creativity, flexibility in approach and a personal ethos of continuous improvement
Other
Essential
- Willingness and ability to travel across Wales, UK and occasionally abroad which may include some longer working days
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to at least Masters level or equivalent level of experience in a suitable field of epidemiology, population/public health, data science or equivalent
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Educated to PhD level in relevant subject
- Post-graduate management qualification or equivalent level of experience and Application Form Certificate / Registration Check Author: Dyfed Wyn Huws Date: 03/05/19 Status: V0c Version: 1 Page 12 of 15 Classification: proven ability to perform at this level
- Qualification in epidemiology/ data science/ Public Health / or similar at Graduate or Post Grad Cert level
Experience
Essential
- At least Masters level or equivalent research experience, or equivalent,in the fields of epidemiology, data science or quantitative population-health In-depth experience of a broad range of population health and epidemiological activities, and research methodology Experience of successfully leading and implementing population research studies Experience of managing budgets Experience of working with a range of agencies across sectors Experience of successfully leading and implementing project driven change management Experience of working with external partners and seeking external funding.
Desirable
- Post-doctoral research experience, or equivalent, in the fields of epidemiology, data science or quantitative population-health Experience of working in a senior role in Research/Public Health/epidemiol ogy/data science Working in the public or academic sector, understanding the environmental and "political" context in which they operate. Experience of working in the field of population-based cancer research
Skills and Experience
Essential
- High level of scientific, analytical, and technical skills. Proficient in the use and of software applications, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Statistical analysis Excellent communication and time management skills Ability to communicate highly complex technical concepts and analysis effectively to different organisations and audiences; including formal reports, scientific papers and presentations e.g. Board level and UK wide and international conferences, and also community groups or representatives Ability to provide, receive and record both routine and highly complex communications, electronically, orally and written Ability to overcome barriers associated with conveying highly complex technical information to a non-technical audience Ability to organise, plan and prioritise a complex strategic programme to meet appropriate deadlines typically involving other disciplines/organisations/sectors Ability to work closely with people in other disciplines and form professional working relationships Ability to carry out analysis, interpretation and comparison of complex information, data, change management and service improvement issues, and to act as an expert reference point Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with team members and other staff Show an ability to gain an understanding of other professionals 'problem solving' requirements Ability to focus, concentrate and accurately complete tasks within given timeframes whilst dealing with unscheduled interruptions e.g. changing priorities. Ability to lead and develop research and development skills.
Desirable
- Ability to speak Welsh/willingness to learn
Knowledge
Essential
- In depth knowledge of research governance, methodology and clinical knowledge Peer reviewed Publications in Scientific Journals Demonstrate working knowledge of Microsoft Office and statistical analysis packages. ECDL Level 2 or equivalent Understand the requirements of Information Governance in relation to the NHS
Desirable
- Up to date knowledge of developments in Welsh Government strategies/policies in relation to health and wellbeing Understanding of determinants of health and health inequalities
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Flexible to meet the needs of the work programme Able to act independently, decisively and effectively in leading a programme Able to watch and listen to and interpret key messages and respond appropriately Able to effectively and appropriately deal with criticism and challenging people and situations Able to positively and creatively challenge current thinking in order to develop new and better policy and operational working practices Able to significantly influence others who are based externally, to achieve national targets without any direct authority Committed to ongoing professional development Committed to equality of opportunity Can demonstrate self motivation, initiative, creativity, flexibility in approach and a personal ethos of continuous improvement
Other
Essential
- Willingness and ability to travel across Wales, UK and occasionally abroad which may include some longer working days
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.
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
