Job responsibilities
- Coordinate support activities across GPHA analytical responsibilities including Horizon Scanning groups and enhanced incidents.
- Responsible for the development of novel genomic analysis pipelines. To develop and update existing analytical components, with particular reference to ensuring business continuity.
- Responsible for the development, implementation and management of analytical tools for managing output from analytical components. Tasks will include the design of databases and related tools for data retrieval, manipulation, analysis and visualisation.
- Contribute to the long-term strategic planning of the above functions, in line with the strategic direction, working practices and policies of GPHA.
- Provide line management for a team of bioinformaticians where required.
- Responsible for the bioinformatics components of the GPHA analysis processes. Tasks in this area include the development and maintenance of the Horizon Scanning analysis pipelines, and their supporting infrastructure, ensuring the timely delivery service outputs to customers and troubleshooting issues that disrupt business continuity.
- Responsible for the co-ordination, development and support of specific analysis tools and systems, and to be responsible for the planning and organisation of other online resources and computer systems, as appropriate, through requirements analysis, functional specification, implementation, deployment and testing. This is achieved through interaction with the appropriate UKHSA and external staff.
- Ensure that high quality and responsive support activities are provided by theGPHA Unit. This will include the preparations of regular reports and other materials necessary to evidence the standard of support services.
- Responsible for the project management of a portfolio of projects and to maintain technical documentation. To be responsible for the secure storage, password management and retrieval of sensitive data related to these projects (in line with the policies of GPHA, ICT and the UKHSA).
- Support and progress UKAS accreditation by working with the Unit to ensure that appropriate quality standards are met, and where necessary defined, and that documentation and processes are effectively followed by all relevant staff.
- Writing and distributing regular project update reports and to provide training and deliver presentations as required.
- Take part in UKHSA bioinformatics training and support programmes.
- Liaise with scientific and IT staff of external organisations involved in molecular surveillance of pathogens.
- Any other duties within the framework of the job grade.
Essential Criteria
- Significant professional experience developing and implementing bioinformatics solutions for microbiology
- Experience of managing/analysing large volumes of NGS data
- Evidence of management, supervisory and team building skills
- Ability to communicate complex and technical knowledge and ideas to non specialist users
- Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
- Able to analyse and evaluate scientific data based on evidence
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
- University degree and higher degree in Bioinformatics/computer Science or Life Sciences or equivalent experience
- High level of proficiency with linux/unix operating systems
- Proven skills in programming languages eg Python, R and versioning software (git)
Selection Process Details:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success profiles
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 750 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 together.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting stage.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on
- Significant professional experience developing and implementing bioinformatics solutions for microbiology
- University degree and higher degree in Bioinformatics/computer Science or Life Sciences
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description).
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment
Please do not exceed 750 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 skills and experience will be tested at interview.
You will be asked to prepare and present a 10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview. You will also be required to complete a python code comprehension task as part of the interview, you will not need to prepare anything in advance for this.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be
- Changing and improving
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
Interviews dates to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Selection Process
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.
Eligibility CriteriaExternal:Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ in London (Canary Wharf) or Scientific Campus (Colindale). 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 UKHSA's core HQ in London (Canary Wharf) or at our scientific campus site (Colindale).
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 (if based at Canary Wharf).
For Colindale, if based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of 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 vettingand applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
