Senior Bioinformatician

UK Health Security Agency

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Bioinformatician to join our dynamic team in London at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a unique and exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on public health by advancing critical research and surveillance.

You will be part of the Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI), Fungal, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Antimicrobial Utilisation (AMU), and Sepsis Division within the Clinical & Public Health Group at UKHSA. In this role, you will collaborate closely with National Reference Laboratories to investigate and tackle antibiotic resistance and to characterize healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens. Your work will play a vital part in defining outbreaks and identifying transmission pathways, directly influencing national strategies and interventions.

As a Senior Bioinformatician, you will lead the development of cutting-edge bioinformatics and public health informatics solutions that drive the division's work. If you are passionate about improving healthcare outcomes, solving complex public health challenges, and working within a forward-thinking, collaborative team, we would love to hear from you!

Main duties of the job

  • Be responsible for day-to-day running and maintenance of the software and computer systems delivering existing UKHSA Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) pipelines
  • To work with Lab Informatics Management (LIMs) informaticians and other bioinformaticians in our laboratory and more widely in UKHSA on data handling and analysis pipelines for laboratory data
  • Contribute to expanding deployment of existing WGS pipelines to additional computational platforms
  • Develop tested, validated and versioned software components for WGS analyses, incorporate into and validate new WGS pipeline versions
  • To provide training and advice on use and interpretation of bioinformatic tools for HCAI and AMR work
  • Analyse data from projects to which you are assigned, accepting responsibility for generating reports within agreed timelines.
  • Lead preparation of reports, posters and publications arising from the data
  • Represent UKHSA at internal, National and International meetings
  • Work consistent to quality management system, ISO and other accreditation standards; participate in quality audits to support the unit's accredited service
  • Comply with safety and quality protocols and procedures at all times
  • Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the GDPR, in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security Information Officer

For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Date posted

13 January 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£44,852 to £50,472 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-GB-304916-EXT

Job locations

London

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Essential criteria

You will be assessed on the below (7) essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description:

  • Degree in Bioinformatics or a related life science.
  • Post Graduate training in Bioinformatics or a related life science
  • 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
  • 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

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles assessment

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed (7) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1000 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria
  • Meets someessential criteria
  • Meets no essentialcriteria

We will be taking the following piles through to shortlisting:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

  • Degree in Bioinformatics or a related life science.
  • Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic analytical approaches
  • Experience of applying diverse bioinformatics tools, preferably to the analysis of microbial DNA

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, technical, experience, ability will be tested at interview.

There will be a 10 minute presentation at interview stage.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Making effective decisions
  • Collaborating and partnering
  • Delivering at pace

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Interviews will be held week commencing 10th February 2025.Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria- External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location:

This role will be based at UKHSA Colindale

This role is being offered as hybrid working. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's scientific campus sites (Colindale, Porton or Chilton).

If based at one of our scientific locations, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC). UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Successful candidates will require Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) as a minimum with willingness and capability to work towards Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).

Job description

Job responsibilities

Essential criteria

You will be assessed on the below (7) essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description:

  • Degree in Bioinformatics or a related life science.
  • Post Graduate training in Bioinformatics or a related life science
  • 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
  • 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

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles assessment

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed (7) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1000 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria
  • Meets someessential criteria
  • Meets no essentialcriteria

We will be taking the following piles through to shortlisting:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

  • Degree in Bioinformatics or a related life science.
  • Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic analytical approaches
  • Experience of applying diverse bioinformatics tools, preferably to the analysis of microbial DNA

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, technical, experience, ability will be tested at interview.

There will be a 10 minute presentation at interview stage.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Making effective decisions
  • Collaborating and partnering
  • Delivering at pace

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Interviews will be held week commencing 10th February 2025.Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria- External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location:

This role will be based at UKHSA Colindale

This role is being offered as hybrid working. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's scientific campus sites (Colindale, Porton or Chilton).

If based at one of our scientific locations, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC). UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Successful candidates will require Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) as a minimum with willingness and capability to work towards Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).

Person Specification

Application form

Essential

  • Application form

Statement of suitability

Essential

  • Statement of suitability

Behaviour

Essential

  • Making effective decisions
  • Collaborating and partnering
  • Delivering at pace
Person Specification

Application form

Essential

  • Application form

Statement of suitability

Essential

  • Statement of suitability

Behaviour

Essential

  • Making effective decisions
  • Collaborating and partnering
  • Delivering at pace

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.

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).

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.

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

London

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

London

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Employer's website

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

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing

Gurkamal Bhambra

Recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Date posted

13 January 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£44,852 to £50,472 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-GB-304916-EXT

Job locations

London

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)