Data Analyst

Job summary

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.

Working for your organisation

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.  

Job description

This post will provide scientific support to the Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), at UKHSA, Colindale.

• The post will provide support to RVPBRU in the maintenance and development of Unit specific aspects of laboratory data management and the laboratory information management system (MOLIS). It will also contribute to the Unit’s analysis of its laboratory data as part of ongoing national surveillance work, as well as participating in research activities within the Unit.
• The post will support the Unit bioinformaticians in analysis of bacterial genomic sequencing data and pathogen specific web-based databases for sequence typing.
• The post will carry out scientific analysis, interpretations of the data held by the Unit, and contribute to development of other new projects for dissemination, presentation and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• The post may involve liaison with UKHSA staff at all levels.

Surveillance system and project support

• Contribute to RVPBRU surveillance activities
• Contribute to the development of new surveillance projects for RVPBRU-related infections
• Participate in research projects appropriate to the work of the Unit.

Data analysis

• In conjunction with others, develop and maintain RVPBRU-specific databases e.g. to analyse and record bacterial genetic typing data or to monitor trends in lab data.
• Analyse and interpret complex scientific data, particularly in relation to bacterial surveillance project to produce:
• regular scientific reports
• presentations at national or international meetings
• publications in peer reviewed journals
• other ad-hoc analyses

MOLIS and lab data management

• Develop and maintain RVPBRU-specific tests in the MOLIS laboratory management system (as a MOLIS superuser).
• Assist with other software solutions for uploading or extracting results from MOLIS. This may involve working with software experts in other parts of UKHSA or outside of UKHSA.

National and international outbreaks

• Liaising with medical and scientific staff in the UKHSA, NHS, and other bodies, provide information to support the investigation of outbreaks.

Confidentiality

• Be aware of, and put into practice, relevant policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality of patient information. To maintain data confidentiality and security in compliance with UKHSA policies, the Data Protection Act, and other statutory requirements.

Other surveillance activities

• Provide support for other surveillance activities as required within the Unit.

Clinical/Professional

• Ensure all RVPBRU information systems adhere to UKHSA Security of Information policy and all Caldicott regulations.
• Contribute to the training of colleagues, as required.
• Pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Quality

In collaboration with the Unit Technical Manager and the Quality Management System Team, to:

• To help to maintain laboratory accreditation (e.g., ISO 15189, via UKAS or its successors) and other agreed national and international standards.
• Maintain a high standard of work, and appraise and contribute to developing services so that they are safe, effective and economical and follows best practice.
• Interpret, design, develop, establish and disseminate standards and policies in information/data management to international regulatory standards.
• Work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system.
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and other accreditation and certification standards. Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.

Other

• 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 Unit and organisation.

Person specification

Essential role criteria

• Primary degree in a science or health related topic (e.g. biomedical or healthcare science /epidemiology).
• Experience of data management
• Experience of data and statistical analysis (e.g. using Excel, STATA, R)
• Using database software packages (e.g. Access, SQL)
• Coding Experience (e.g. SQL, R, Python)
• Good organisational skills, communicate complex ideas and methods clearly and succinctly
• Ability to write clearly and fluently

Desirable role criteria:

• Bioinformatics experience (e.g. using commercial software or unix command line software)
• Experience with MOLIS or similar laboratory management system

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,749, UK Health Security Agency contributes

£10,935 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

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

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1,500 word Supporting Statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,500 words. We will not consider any words over 1,500 words.

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

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV. Please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV . Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

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

If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on :

• Primary degree in a science or health related topic (e.g. biomedical or healthcare science /epidemiology).
• Experience of data and statistical analysis (e.g. using Excel, STATA, R)

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview at 61 Colindale Avenue, London , NW9 5EQ. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a presentation aimed to assess your experience in relation to data and statistical analysis (e.g. using Excel, STATA, R) usage of database software packages (e.g. Access, SQL and c oding Experience (e.g. SQL, R, Python) .

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.

Eligibility Criteria - External

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

Location - Hybrid Colindale

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus. 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 campus.

Based at our scientific campus, 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 vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

F uture lo cation

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK .

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustm