Job summary
We are seeking a researcher to join the recently established Public Health Genomics Programme within Public Health Wales.
Public Health Wales currently operates public health services that use pathogen and human genomic data, and in the coming years this will grow significantly. Many of these services have been developed by translating research into practice, and as the Public Health Genomics Programme develops, the need for staff with research expertise to support translation and training is going to increase significantly.
This opportunity would be ideal for those who may be working in academia at present, but who would like to move towards applying their expertise to enable the translation of research into practice.
We are looking for someone who has experience in research settings, with a background in a relevant area, including genomics, metagenomics, population genomics, bioinformatics or genomic epidemiology. We are able to offer a permanent role that will be critical for the development of new services and capabilities that will ultimately benefit thousands of patients in Wales.
Main duties of the job
This post forms part of the recently established Public Health Genomics Programme and will work in partnership with Public Health Wales staff, Genomics Partnership Wales stakeholders and academic colleagues to design and conduct research across the spectrum of public health genomics, particularly in relation to infectious disease.
The post holder will participate in dissemination of research findings through presentation, peer reviewed publications and reports. The post holder will develop and deliver training for to support the mainstreaming of genomics within Public Health Wales, potentially covering topics related to public health genomics, research methods and research governance. The role will provide a focus for work in relation to the translation of public health genomics into service improvements and new capabilities within the NHS in Wales. The post holder will also be encouraged to develop links with academic public health teams to develop joint projects and will provide advice and support to others in research design, conduct and analysis.
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.
We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description
Job responsibilities
Public Health Development
Translate public health genomics priorities into answerable research questions, using specific research expertise.
Contribute to the development of new and innovative solutions employing genomics to address public health priorities
Undertake literature searches and evidence reviews
Develop evaluation frameworks for public health interventions
Translate research findings for a range of audiences, including the public, and support dissemination to mobilise effective public health action in all sectors
Develop and maintain peer networks within Wales, the UK and internationally as appropriate to meet objectives
Advise on the development of indicators and outcome measures for public health genomics research
Provide advice on research methods selection, use and analysis to Public Health Wales staff and key partners
Provide specialist research input to strategic, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency planning groups
Provide advice on research funding opportunities and the development of proposals, signpost to other sources of advice and support.
Develop partnerships with one or more academic centres with an interest in Public Health Research to facilitate joint proposals
Management
Manage the delivery of research projects within agreed timescales and budgets
Develop plans for the delivery of complex research projects ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures
Supervise the work of fieldworkers and other ad hoc research staff as required
To be responsible for the delivery of key elements of the Public Health Genomics workplan, contributing to reports as required
Teaching and training
Develops and delivers training for public health professionals on public health genomics, relevant research methods and research governance
Prepares and delivers presentations for formal audiences including national/international conferences and seminars
Supports the delivery of practitioner and specialist training programmes in public health in relation to genomics
Trains fieldworkers and others in data collection or analysis
Research and development
Design research proposals, including bids for external funding
Undertake complex data collection and analysis using a range of genomic and other data intensive methods, including appraisal of a range of options and interpretation/integration of data from a range of sources, including engagement with patients and general public through the Genomics Patient Sounding Board .
Develop innovative approaches to research questions, including development of new methods or applications according to topic area.
Ensure that all research undertaken complies with research governance policies and procedures
Take responsibility for the ethical collection, storage and destruction of information, including sensitive personal information
Participate in peer review processes for research proposals and contribute to the organisations research governance function
Identify opportunities for research taking account of the organisations priorities and strategic objectives
Disseminate research findings using a range of methods and approaches to achieve maximum impact.
Communicate complex information in formal and informal settings and to different audiences, including responding to challenge from experts in the field whose opinions on findings presented may differ.
Professional development
Undertakes a programme of CPD
Participate in appraisal and job planning
Develops and reviews personal development plans, in conjunction with line manager
Develop a portfolio of publications and research grant generation in collaboration with Universities in Wales.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Public Health Development
Translate public health genomics priorities into answerable research questions, using specific research expertise.
Contribute to the development of new and innovative solutions employing genomics to address public health priorities
Undertake literature searches and evidence reviews
Develop evaluation frameworks for public health interventions
Translate research findings for a range of audiences, including the public, and support dissemination to mobilise effective public health action in all sectors
Develop and maintain peer networks within Wales, the UK and internationally as appropriate to meet objectives
Advise on the development of indicators and outcome measures for public health genomics research
Provide advice on research methods selection, use and analysis to Public Health Wales staff and key partners
Provide specialist research input to strategic, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency planning groups
Provide advice on research funding opportunities and the development of proposals, signpost to other sources of advice and support.
Develop partnerships with one or more academic centres with an interest in Public Health Research to facilitate joint proposals
Management
Manage the delivery of research projects within agreed timescales and budgets
Develop plans for the delivery of complex research projects ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures
Supervise the work of fieldworkers and other ad hoc research staff as required
To be responsible for the delivery of key elements of the Public Health Genomics workplan, contributing to reports as required
Teaching and training
Develops and delivers training for public health professionals on public health genomics, relevant research methods and research governance
Prepares and delivers presentations for formal audiences including national/international conferences and seminars
Supports the delivery of practitioner and specialist training programmes in public health in relation to genomics
Trains fieldworkers and others in data collection or analysis
Research and development
Design research proposals, including bids for external funding
Undertake complex data collection and analysis using a range of genomic and other data intensive methods, including appraisal of a range of options and interpretation/integration of data from a range of sources, including engagement with patients and general public through the Genomics Patient Sounding Board .
Develop innovative approaches to research questions, including development of new methods or applications according to topic area.
Ensure that all research undertaken complies with research governance policies and procedures
Take responsibility for the ethical collection, storage and destruction of information, including sensitive personal information
Participate in peer review processes for research proposals and contribute to the organisations research governance function
Identify opportunities for research taking account of the organisations priorities and strategic objectives
Disseminate research findings using a range of methods and approaches to achieve maximum impact.
Communicate complex information in formal and informal settings and to different audiences, including responding to challenge from experts in the field whose opinions on findings presented may differ.
Professional development
Undertakes a programme of CPD
Participate in appraisal and job planning
Develops and reviews personal development plans, in conjunction with line manager
Develop a portfolio of publications and research grant generation in collaboration with Universities in Wales.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Evidence of knowledge of core genomics and Public Health competencies at masters level or equivalent
- Higher Degree with a strong research component
- Evidence of higher level study in genomics, bioinformatics or epidemiology or equivalent
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Significant demonstrable experience leading to highly developed specialist knowledge in research applied to public health or genomics
- Experience of playing a leading role in a major research project
- Experience of securing research funding through a competitive process
Desirable
- Experience of work in public health or genomics in a specialist service or academic setting
- Experience of using genomics methods in research
Physical requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel across Wales, including in rural communities
Desirable
- Able to work flexible hours when required
- Ability to work through the medium of Welsh
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes (Interview and applican form)
Essential
- Evidence of an ongoing commitment to professional development
- Skills in the use of a range of software packages for data analysis
Desirable
- Project or programme management skills
- Experience of teaching/training
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes (Interview)
Essential
- Knowledge of a range of research methods and approaches
- Ability to undertake complex analysis of qualitative or quantitative data
- Skills in using a range of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methods
- Able to select and interpret a range of statistical tests
- Excellent organisational skills with an ability to prioritise own work and that of others effectively
- Attention to detail
- Ability to communicate complex information in writing and orally, in formal and informal settings and to different audiences
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, plan and manage own workload and plan work in advance to meet deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and motivate others
- Understanding and application of research and information governance processes, policies and procedures
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Evidence of knowledge of core genomics and Public Health competencies at masters level or equivalent
- Higher Degree with a strong research component
- Evidence of higher level study in genomics, bioinformatics or epidemiology or equivalent
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Significant demonstrable experience leading to highly developed specialist knowledge in research applied to public health or genomics
- Experience of playing a leading role in a major research project
- Experience of securing research funding through a competitive process
Desirable
- Experience of work in public health or genomics in a specialist service or academic setting
- Experience of using genomics methods in research
Physical requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel across Wales, including in rural communities
Desirable
- Able to work flexible hours when required
- Ability to work through the medium of Welsh
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes (Interview and applican form)
Essential
- Evidence of an ongoing commitment to professional development
- Skills in the use of a range of software packages for data analysis
Desirable
- Project or programme management skills
- Experience of teaching/training
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes (Interview)
Essential
- Knowledge of a range of research methods and approaches
- Ability to undertake complex analysis of qualitative or quantitative data
- Skills in using a range of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methods
- Able to select and interpret a range of statistical tests
- Excellent organisational skills with an ability to prioritise own work and that of others effectively
- Attention to detail
- Ability to communicate complex information in writing and orally, in formal and informal settings and to different audiences
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, plan and manage own workload and plan work in advance to meet deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and motivate others
- Understanding and application of research and information governance processes, policies and procedures
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
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).
