Senior Bioinformatician

Job description

Job responsibilities

The appointee will be required to develop bioinformatics and public health informatics for the Division:

• Provide informatic and bioinformatic support and undertake analyses on data arising from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for reference service delivery, outbreak investigations, and for research projects, and to be responsible for timely data mining and generation of meaningful reports to customers
• Support, monitor and quality ensure the WGS bioinformatics analysis from sample receipt to report
• Develop / assemble, validate and implement bioinformatics and AI tools and pipelines suitable for analysis and comparison of the genome sequences generated
• Liaise and advise national, regional and international epidemiology colleagues on the interpretation of phylogenetic analysis in e.g., outbreak investigations
• Lead preparation of reports, posters and publications arising from the data
• Present findings at internal, national and international meetings
• Compile, manage and curate appropriate databases for AMR determinants and the complex data arising from whole-genome sequencing of a range of healthcare associated and antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens.

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

• Degree in Bioinformatics or a related life science
• Postgraduate training in Bioinformatics

Desirable

• PhD in a relevant subject

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Familiar with Linux/Unix; proficient on the CLI
• Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic analytical approaches.
• Experience of applying diverse bioinformatics tools, preferably to the analysis of microbial DNA
• Experience of developing, modifying, debugging code used for data analysis, preferably python

Desirable

• Experience of VCS systems (e.g. git) for software versioning and documentation

Skills and capabilities

Essential

• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard working.
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Must be able to use initiative to identify and implement tested solutions with a view to process and service improvement.
• Must have ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise

Desirable

• Database curation, update and management

Equality and diversity

Essential

• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Colindale Site

London

NW9 5EQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)