Job summary
This role will be responsible for leadership of the bioinformatics function within the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division. The postholder will have responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the function within the wider Division as a member of the Leadership and Management Group.
The role will provide expert leadership in Bioinformatics, including input into the investigation and outbreaks of HCAI's and other infectious diseases including COVID-19. They will support collaboration within UKHSA and across Government and with other key partners, including two Health Protection Research Units within the University of Oxford and Imperial College London. They will also play a key role in ensuring delivery of UKHSA commitments under the Government's AMR National Action Plan.
The post holder will take a leading role in bioinformatic analyses of a wide range of bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens and builds on extensive work establishing bespoke and successful routine WGS-based services for several key infectious disease agents with a focus on HCAI and AMR.
Main duties of the job
To lead the Bioinformatics Team and be responsible on a day-to-day basis for the provision of efficient, effective and timely bioinformatics analyses and outputs, within allocated resources and budgets and within agreed performance standards, including but not limited to:
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- the design, development and implementation of new genomic analyses, working in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders,
- leading the genomics analysis function during enhanced incident responses, working with topic specialists,
- responsibility for appropriate documentation and implementation of governance processes and procedures,
- development of data sharing and publication initiatives and research and innovation function
To contribute to the development of UKHSA's genomic strategy and represent the Bioinformatics Team functions at a strategic level.
To develop strategic academic, public sector and other partnerships, including funding application, participation, design, implementation and overall management of appropriate R&D.
About us
At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.
This post is within the Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI), Fungal, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Antimicrobial Utilisation (AMU) & Sepsis Division (Clinical & Public Health group) of UKHSA. The mission of the division is to protect people from healthcare-associated and antimicrobial resistant infections, through world-leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, modelling, research and interventions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role will be responsible for leadership of the bioinformatics function within the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division. The postholder will have responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the function within the wider Division as a member of the Leadership and Management Group.
The role will provide expert leadership in Bioinformatics, including input into the investigation and outbreaks of HCAIs and other infectious diseases including COVID-19. They will support collaboration within UKHSA and across Government and with other key partners, including two Health Protection Research Units within the University of Oxford and Imperial College London. They will also play a key role in ensuring delivery of UKHSA commitments under the Governments AMR National Action Plan.
The post holder will take a leading role in bioinformatic analyses of a wide range of bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens and builds on extensive work establishing bespoke and successful routine WGS-based services for several key infectious disease agents with a focus on HCAI and AMR.
Application Process Details
To apply for the role you are required to complete an online application form.
Unfortunately,late applications will not be considered.
Stage 1 - Application & Sift:
This vacancy will use competency based questions to assess theexperience, ability, technical skills/qualifications and commitment to equality and diversity detailed in the essential person specification.
Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the job description/person specification (available online) as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.
You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
Stage 2 Interview
All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a single video interview.
All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed through an interview against a mixture of experience, competency and technical based questions.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role isBPSS
UKHSA offers hybrid working for its employees
Whilst the role will be based in one of our UKHSA offices, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business need and in line with departmental policy.
Some business travel may be required to other UKHSA offices. Business travel between base location and any other UKHSA offices will be covered under the UKHSA Travel and Expenses policy.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role will be responsible for leadership of the bioinformatics function within the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division. The postholder will have responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the function within the wider Division as a member of the Leadership and Management Group.
The role will provide expert leadership in Bioinformatics, including input into the investigation and outbreaks of HCAIs and other infectious diseases including COVID-19. They will support collaboration within UKHSA and across Government and with other key partners, including two Health Protection Research Units within the University of Oxford and Imperial College London. They will also play a key role in ensuring delivery of UKHSA commitments under the Governments AMR National Action Plan.
The post holder will take a leading role in bioinformatic analyses of a wide range of bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens and builds on extensive work establishing bespoke and successful routine WGS-based services for several key infectious disease agents with a focus on HCAI and AMR.
Application Process Details
To apply for the role you are required to complete an online application form.
Unfortunately,late applications will not be considered.
Stage 1 - Application & Sift:
This vacancy will use competency based questions to assess theexperience, ability, technical skills/qualifications and commitment to equality and diversity detailed in the essential person specification.
Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the job description/person specification (available online) as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.
You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
Stage 2 Interview
All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a single video interview.
All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed through an interview against a mixture of experience, competency and technical based questions.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role isBPSS
UKHSA offers hybrid working for its employees
Whilst the role will be based in one of our UKHSA offices, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business need and in line with departmental policy.
Some business travel may be required to other UKHSA offices. Business travel between base location and any other UKHSA offices will be covered under the UKHSA Travel and Expenses policy.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Higher Degree in Bioinformatics or similar and related experience (MSc, MRes)
Desirable
- Higher Degree (PhD).
- Registered for CPD
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Significant and relevant experience in microbial genomics
- Experience in software development and programming, e.g. workflow development, Python
- Uses of phylogenetics in genomic analysis
Desirable
- Knowledge of bacterial genomics, evolution and public health
Skills / Capabilities / Behaviours
Essential
- Experience of leading and managing a team of bioinformaticians and software developers.
- Ability to develop, inform and communicate strategy for implementation of end-to-end genomics solutions
- Ability to work under pressure and deliver results quickly in a dynamic environment.
- Understanding of software development principles and process accreditation.
Equality & Diversity
Essential
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Higher Degree in Bioinformatics or similar and related experience (MSc, MRes)
Desirable
- Higher Degree (PhD).
- Registered for CPD
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Significant and relevant experience in microbial genomics
- Experience in software development and programming, e.g. workflow development, Python
- Uses of phylogenetics in genomic analysis
Desirable
- Knowledge of bacterial genomics, evolution and public health
Skills / Capabilities / Behaviours
Essential
- Experience of leading and managing a team of bioinformaticians and software developers.
- Ability to develop, inform and communicate strategy for implementation of end-to-end genomics solutions
- Ability to work under pressure and deliver results quickly in a dynamic environment.
- Understanding of software development principles and process accreditation.
Equality & Diversity
Essential
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
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).
