Job summary
Job title - Senior Climate Change Scientist (Climate and Health Scenarios and Modelling)
Profession- Science
Directorate - Centre for Climate and Health Security - Scientific Strategy and Development
Full Time equivalent - 37.5 hours
No of Roles - 1
Contract Type - Permanent
Location - Remote
Working Pattern - Full Time /Part Time / Flexible Working/ Hybrid Working/ Job Share
Grade & Salary - Grade SEO. National banding £37,056 - £42,481. Outer London - £38,967 - £44,240. Inner London - £40,876 - £45,998
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C's are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/.
Closing Date - 25/08/2023. 23:55pm. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered
Interview Date - 11/09/2023 Please note, these dates are subject to change.
Main duties of the job
The post forms part of the Centre for Climate and Health Security's (CCHS) Climate Change and Health Team (CCH). The post holder will work with a small team of scientists providing support to the CCH Team Leader, to the Centre for Climate and Health Security (CCHS), UKHSA and others on work related to climate change and health security.
The post holder will provide expert advice on the human health effects of climate change, particularly in relation to data analytics and impact assessment relating to environmental change and environmental sustainability. The post holder will also provide support for climate change adaptation policies through collaboration with the UKHSA Policy Team and contribute to UKHSA capacity in climate-health impact assessment and data analytics, including fulfilling commitments to the Climate Change Risk Assessment and the National Adaptation Programme, for example. This post will contribute to the research programme of the CCH Team, with a view to publishing peer reviewed articles, securing external funding and contributing to the objectives of the CCHS. The post will contribute mainly to CCHS Theme 4: Climate and Health Scenarios and Modelling.
The post holder will represent the CCH Team as a member of various scientific and policy related working groups with external stakeholders in Government and academia and others.=
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.
Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Develop and provide expert scientific advice on the impact of climate change on health, drawing on leading methods in data analytics (e.g. environmental epidemiology, health impact modelling including interventions, econometrics, net zero health co-benefits, adaptation scenarios) in the context of environmental change, on public health.
- Develop modelling capability using available meteorological, environmental, epidemiological, climate and health modelling approaches.
- Analyse model output and available datasets of climate, environmental and health parameters with emphasis on public health implications.
- Assist UKHSA, academic collaborators, government officials and officials in national and international bodies in the analysis and interpretation of complex scientific data in a specific area and in the provision of advice.
- Assist in the provision of specialist advice to clinicians and healthcare professionals on climate and environmental health issues as appropriate during an emergency situation.
- Undertaking the necessary Research and Development to underpin UKHSAs capability to provide advice on environmental change and health.
- Contribute to research programmes on climate change and health in collaboration with academic partners and the Met Office.
- Collect, analyse and interpret complex meteorological, health and environmental information.
- Provide advice concerning current and future weather, emissions and other environmental factors relating to environmental health. Provide advice on the adaptation approaches that may be most useful for reducing disease burden.
- Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications related to the postholders area of scientific work.
- Undertaking peer reviews of draft publications prepared by outside individuals, as required from time to time by journals.
- Provide input to and review appropriate consultation documents on government policy, issued by other agencies and government departments, on an ad hoc basis.
- Contribute to the delivery of the CCHSs research programme which will underpin UKHSAs capability to provide scientific advice on environmental change and health. This will include:
- Developing proposals for projects which are scientifically sound, appropriate and relevant to UKHSA and CCHSs aims and objectives.
- Seeking external funding where appropriate and negotiating the relevant contracts. Ensuring the research work is undertaken within appropriate and relevant quality management systems.
- Ensuring all data/ information generated within the Climate Change work programme is stored in an appropriate manner ideally in an electronic form consistent with UKHSA information management policies.
- Communicating scientific results in peer reviewed journals and at conferences as well as in PHE publications.
- Contributing to training courses run by UKHSA and also by external bodies as appropriate.
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.
Occasional domestic travel to UKHSA offices may be required including overnight stays.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;
Internal
- Daily with CCH team leader and other scientific and administrative staff throughout CCHS.
- Frequently with Deputy Director of the CCHS and other members of the Centre.
- Frequently with staff in other Directorates and Divisions of UKHSA, including Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards Directorate, Regional Directors, senior management and consultants.
- Frequently with corporate function staff.
External
- Frequently with collaborating scientists worldwide at a professional level.
- Senior scientists/ managers in official bodies such as Department of Health and Social Care and International bodies such as WHO about:
o The development of health protection advice, in support of CCHs team leader,
o Contract or project work to be undertaken by UKHSA within the team is scientifically sound of relevance and benefit to UKHSA, and that UKHSAs interests are protected.
- University staff to Professorial level to develop collaborative research
- University students for teaching lectures and examinations
- As required with other UKHSA stakeholders and key agencies including Local Authorities, emergency responders, health and other government departments and agencies, at a strategic and operational level as CCHS representative advising on and climate change and related environmental issues. This may also involve responding to media queries.
- Periodically with members of the public representing the UKHSA at public meetings to answer queries in the post-holders specialist area of expertise.
Essential Criteria:
- Relevant PhD qualification in data modelling and analytics for climate-health, for example meteorology, climatology, physics, atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, mathematical modelling or a Masters plus PhD-equivalent relevant expertise and experience
- Modelling, climate science, data analytics, or environmental epidemiology background, for example technical expertise in running climate, meteorological, environmental epidemiology, or climate-health econometrics models and analyzing output
- Experience in climate change related research
- Experience of undertaking research and development
- Experience of undertaking quantitative health impact assessments
- Working knowledge of programming languages for analysis (e.g. R, python, Matlab or similar languages).
- Analysis of complex data sets
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- Writing papers and research proposals, communication and collaboration
- Equality and diversity
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
Desirable Criteria:
- Environmental Public Health training or equivalent postgraduate qualification
- Training course design and delivery skills
- Familiarity with Information Management protocols
Selection Process
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed and sifted in line with the essential criteria.
This vacancy is using Civil Service Competencies and will assess your Behaviours and Experience
Stage 1: Application & Sift
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability in no more than 500 words providing examples of how you meet the essential criteria. It should also detail what you and your experience can bring to the role. We suggest using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to demonstrate real-life examples for the specified essential criteria. Please note, only information provided within the stated word count will be considered.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview
Stage 2: Panel Interview
All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed on behaviours / experience / technical / ability through the Civil Service Competencies Framework. The interview will be conducted remotely over teams where you may have to do a presentation
The Competencies you will be tested on are:
Strategic cluster setting direction:
People cluster engaging people:
Performance cluster delivering results:
1. Seeing the big picture
2. Changing and improving
3. Making effective decisions
1. Leading and communicating
2. Collaborating and partnering
3. Building capability for all
1. Achieving commercial outcomes
2. Delivering value for money
3. Managing a quality service
4. Delivering at pace
DBS - People working with government systems must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role is BPSS however there may be a requirement for this role to be SC cleared and you should familiarise yourself with the criteria of security clearance.
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.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Develop and provide expert scientific advice on the impact of climate change on health, drawing on leading methods in data analytics (e.g. environmental epidemiology, health impact modelling including interventions, econometrics, net zero health co-benefits, adaptation scenarios) in the context of environmental change, on public health.
- Develop modelling capability using available meteorological, environmental, epidemiological, climate and health modelling approaches.
- Analyse model output and available datasets of climate, environmental and health parameters with emphasis on public health implications.
- Assist UKHSA, academic collaborators, government officials and officials in national and international bodies in the analysis and interpretation of complex scientific data in a specific area and in the provision of advice.
- Assist in the provision of specialist advice to clinicians and healthcare professionals on climate and environmental health issues as appropriate during an emergency situation.
- Undertaking the necessary Research and Development to underpin UKHSAs capability to provide advice on environmental change and health.
- Contribute to research programmes on climate change and health in collaboration with academic partners and the Met Office.
- Collect, analyse and interpret complex meteorological, health and environmental information.
- Provide advice concerning current and future weather, emissions and other environmental factors relating to environmental health. Provide advice on the adaptation approaches that may be most useful for reducing disease burden.
- Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications related to the postholders area of scientific work.
- Undertaking peer reviews of draft publications prepared by outside individuals, as required from time to time by journals.
- Provide input to and review appropriate consultation documents on government policy, issued by other agencies and government departments, on an ad hoc basis.
- Contribute to the delivery of the CCHSs research programme which will underpin UKHSAs capability to provide scientific advice on environmental change and health. This will include:
- Developing proposals for projects which are scientifically sound, appropriate and relevant to UKHSA and CCHSs aims and objectives.
- Seeking external funding where appropriate and negotiating the relevant contracts. Ensuring the research work is undertaken within appropriate and relevant quality management systems.
- Ensuring all data/ information generated within the Climate Change work programme is stored in an appropriate manner ideally in an electronic form consistent with UKHSA information management policies.
- Communicating scientific results in peer reviewed journals and at conferences as well as in PHE publications.
- Contributing to training courses run by UKHSA and also by external bodies as appropriate.
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.
Occasional domestic travel to UKHSA offices may be required including overnight stays.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;
Internal
- Daily with CCH team leader and other scientific and administrative staff throughout CCHS.
- Frequently with Deputy Director of the CCHS and other members of the Centre.
- Frequently with staff in other Directorates and Divisions of UKHSA, including Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards Directorate, Regional Directors, senior management and consultants.
- Frequently with corporate function staff.
External
- Frequently with collaborating scientists worldwide at a professional level.
- Senior scientists/ managers in official bodies such as Department of Health and Social Care and International bodies such as WHO about:
o The development of health protection advice, in support of CCHs team leader,
o Contract or project work to be undertaken by UKHSA within the team is scientifically sound of relevance and benefit to UKHSA, and that UKHSAs interests are protected.
- University staff to Professorial level to develop collaborative research
- University students for teaching lectures and examinations
- As required with other UKHSA stakeholders and key agencies including Local Authorities, emergency responders, health and other government departments and agencies, at a strategic and operational level as CCHS representative advising on and climate change and related environmental issues. This may also involve responding to media queries.
- Periodically with members of the public representing the UKHSA at public meetings to answer queries in the post-holders specialist area of expertise.
Essential Criteria:
- Relevant PhD qualification in data modelling and analytics for climate-health, for example meteorology, climatology, physics, atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, mathematical modelling or a Masters plus PhD-equivalent relevant expertise and experience
- Modelling, climate science, data analytics, or environmental epidemiology background, for example technical expertise in running climate, meteorological, environmental epidemiology, or climate-health econometrics models and analyzing output
- Experience in climate change related research
- Experience of undertaking research and development
- Experience of undertaking quantitative health impact assessments
- Working knowledge of programming languages for analysis (e.g. R, python, Matlab or similar languages).
- Analysis of complex data sets
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- Writing papers and research proposals, communication and collaboration
- Equality and diversity
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
Desirable Criteria:
- Environmental Public Health training or equivalent postgraduate qualification
- Training course design and delivery skills
- Familiarity with Information Management protocols
Selection Process
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed and sifted in line with the essential criteria.
This vacancy is using Civil Service Competencies and will assess your Behaviours and Experience
Stage 1: Application & Sift
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability in no more than 500 words providing examples of how you meet the essential criteria. It should also detail what you and your experience can bring to the role. We suggest using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to demonstrate real-life examples for the specified essential criteria. Please note, only information provided within the stated word count will be considered.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview
Stage 2: Panel Interview
All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed on behaviours / experience / technical / ability through the Civil Service Competencies Framework. The interview will be conducted remotely over teams where you may have to do a presentation
The Competencies you will be tested on are:
Strategic cluster setting direction:
People cluster engaging people:
Performance cluster delivering results:
1. Seeing the big picture
2. Changing and improving
3. Making effective decisions
1. Leading and communicating
2. Collaborating and partnering
3. Building capability for all
1. Achieving commercial outcomes
2. Delivering value for money
3. Managing a quality service
4. Delivering at pace
DBS - People working with government systems must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role is BPSS however there may be a requirement for this role to be SC cleared and you should familiarise yourself with the criteria of security clearance.
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.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- oRelevant PhD qualification in data modelling and analytics for climate-health, for example meteorology, climatology, physics, atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, mathematical modelling or a Masters plus PhD-equivalent relevant expertise and experience
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- oRelevant PhD qualification in data modelling and analytics for climate-health, for example meteorology, climatology, physics, atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, mathematical modelling or a Masters plus PhD-equivalent relevant expertise and experience
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).
