Job summary
The Bioinformatics team in the Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGU) is the software development and analysis support arm of the Microbiology Division. It supports genomic diagnostics, bespoke software development, genomic surveillance of communicable disease and infections in Wales, and provides support for Health Protection Teams in outbreak investigation and control.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will be a key member of scientific staff within the Bioinformatics team which is based within the Public Health Wales Microbiology Division. They will work closely with senior scientists, clinical scientists, bioinformaticians and other team members, to develop new bioinformatics systems, expand on existing ones and provide support during outbreak and major event situations. The post-holder will take a lead on discrete projects and reports and help ensure that analytical and reporting deadlines are met.
PenGU Bioinformatics is the software development and analysis support arm of the Microbiology Division. It supports genomic diagnostics, bespoke software development, genomic surveillance of communicable disease and infections in Wales, and provides support for Health Protection Teams in outbreak investigation and control, provides health intelligence on communicable disease matters and carries out applied research. Bioinformatics activity covers 5 subject areas: 1. Antimicrobial resistance, 2. Viruses, sexual health, TB and Vaccine preventable disease and respiratory infection 3. Software development 4. Next Generation Sequencing and 5. Genomic epidemiology, research and training. The post-holder will be assigned to one or more subject groups, but will provide support to the others, as required.
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in 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.
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
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First degree in Bioinformatics, or related scientific discipline
- Post graduate qualification in public health, epidemiology, bioinformatics statistics or related subject or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Strong background in a biological science or health related field
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with large or complex data sets
- Post graduate experience of scientific or information analysis work
- Experience of project based working
Desirable
- Experience of working in software development and of software versioning systems
- Experience of communicating information to scientific audiences, external partners or the public
- Experience of research and development
Skills
Essential
- Skilled in use of data analysis, coding and/or statistical software packages (e.g. Python, Perl, SQL, R)
- Excellent analytical and epidemiological skills, including statistical analysis and data interpretation
- Good all round IT skills, including using and interrogating databases
- Ability to plan and organise a number of concurrent projects and self manage workload
Desirable
- Skilled in mapping and data visualisation software
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Knowledge of microbiological principles
- A broad basic knowledge of information governance, data security and privacy issues
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of public health
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
- Able to work independently and as a member of a team, with high levels of motivation
- Able to respond calmly to unpredictable work patterns and meet urgent deadlines
- Conscientious and pays attention to detail
- Flexible, adaptable and innovative approach to work
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First degree in Bioinformatics, or related scientific discipline
- Post graduate qualification in public health, epidemiology, bioinformatics statistics or related subject or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Strong background in a biological science or health related field
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with large or complex data sets
- Post graduate experience of scientific or information analysis work
- Experience of project based working
Desirable
- Experience of working in software development and of software versioning systems
- Experience of communicating information to scientific audiences, external partners or the public
- Experience of research and development
Skills
Essential
- Skilled in use of data analysis, coding and/or statistical software packages (e.g. Python, Perl, SQL, R)
- Excellent analytical and epidemiological skills, including statistical analysis and data interpretation
- Good all round IT skills, including using and interrogating databases
- Ability to plan and organise a number of concurrent projects and self manage workload
Desirable
- Skilled in mapping and data visualisation software
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Knowledge of microbiological principles
- A broad basic knowledge of information governance, data security and privacy issues
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of public health
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
- Able to work independently and as a member of a team, with high levels of motivation
- Able to respond calmly to unpredictable work patterns and meet urgent deadlines
- Conscientious and pays attention to detail
- Flexible, adaptable and innovative approach to work
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
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).
