Job responsibilities
Outbreak support and epidemiological investigation
1. Where appropriate, support the maintenance of outbreak and incident databases, the development of data extraction tools and automated routines and undertake basic descriptive and trend analysis2. Contribute to the production of outbreak reports
Surveillance
3. Adapt and develop automated routines to support surveillance activities, following and advising on Standard Operating Procedures and contribute to and support the production of routine surveillance reports including basic descriptive analysis4. Respond to routine data requests
Research
5. Adapt queries and undertake basic analysis of data to support research
Statistical skills
6. Undertake basic statistical tests, under guidance
Software skills
7. Use common statistical/database/mapping tools as part of pre-defined routines8. Undertake basic analytical skills using common software packages to support analysis such as producing tables, graphs etc. and running queries
Quality and governance
9. Be aware of, and comply with, information governance guidance including for example the secure storage and transfer of PII10. Support audit through data extraction and basic analysis
Workforce and HR
11. Be responsible for managing own workload, including developing objectives and reviewing progress against these.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- The post holder will identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with their line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. safeguarding, fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
OTHER DUTIES
- 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 organization.
COMMUNICATION AND KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will build and maintain effective working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This may include:
- Field Services and Field Services staff
- Information and system specialists
- Health Protection in Regions Group staff Science Group staff including: Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards
- NHS England
- NHS Trust staff
- Laboratory staff i.e. microbiologists and laboratory managers
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities staff (OHID) including Knowledge and Intelligence Teams
- Local authorities
- Community staff
- Academia
- Other professional scientific, information and administrative staff in a number of organizations
- Agencies contributing to environmental hazards surveillance
- Members of the public.
Essential Criteria
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) or relevant experience in the maintenance and analysis of data
- Analytical skills and experience of basic statistical tests including performing basic descriptive and trend analysis
- Experience of report writing
- Experience of maintaining, analysing and interpreting data using common software packages such as Microsoft Office
- Experience and understanding of Standard Operating Procedures
- Knowledge/experience of working in an NHS environment and/or epidemiology / public health
- Good oral and written communication (including presentation) skills
- Ability to produce work of high quality and accuracy to deadlines including when under pressure
- Good organisation, prioritisation and time management skills and able to work in a multidisciplinary team, as well as on own initiative
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge and experience of common statistical/database/mapping software and tools
- Understand information governance issues including an awareness of data protection and confidentiality requirements
- Ability to adapt queries and undertake basic analysis of data to support research
- An interest in public health, infectious disease epidemiology and control and statistical analysis
Selection Process Details:
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience, skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Competency-based assessments
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)
- 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 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
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of:
- Analytical skills and experience of basic statistical tests including performing basic descriptive and trend analysis
- Knowledge and experience of common statistical/database/mapping software and tools
- Knowledge/experience of working in an NHS environment and/or epidemiology / public health
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessmentPlease 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
Competency based
You will be invited to a single remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
You will be asked to undertake additional tasks as part of the interview which aim to test knowledge of coding using R and interpretation of data. Details of the tasks will be shared at the start of the interview.
Interviews will be held week commencing 30th June. Please note, these dates are subject to change.
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 our locations in Birmingham and Nottingham. 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 our office at either Birmingham or Nottingham.
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.
