Job summary
The post holder will contribute to the development of enhanced surveillance systems of vaccine preventable diseases, surveillance of diphtheria, tetanus and varicella. It is important to elucidate their epidemiology, evaluate their public health impact, and develop and improve control strategies. In addition, the post holder will contribute to research studies of vaccine preventable diseases.
Location
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offers hybrid working - this means that whilst the role will be based in our Colindale, London office, there will be opportunities to work from home. The number of days in the office will be agreed on an individual basis by your line manager, determined primarily by business need and in line with departmental policy.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full time, Hybrid Working
Main duties of the job
- Develop and maintain surveillance systems for vaccine preventable diseases.
- Manage and analyse surveillance data received into the department from a variety of sources which will require the co-ordination of regular follow-up of relevant reports for further epidemiological information and confirmation samples where necessary.
- Work closely with members of the team to assist in responding to ad hoc queries which require scientific input.
- Liaise with clinicians to obtain enhanced surveillance data and liaise with NHS and reference laboratories on laboratory data.
- Prepare routine surveillance reports for the Health Protection Report.
- Assist in the investigation and control of outbreaks.
- Undertake evaluation of surveillance systems.
About us
At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.
Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Contribute and project manage specific research studies of vaccine preventable diseases.
- Analyse surveillance data and results of studies and write reports and papers for scientific journals.
- Contribute to writing of policy documents for the prevention and control of vaccine preventable diseases.
- Assist in the preparation of papers and reports to inform policy for the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
- Design presentations and present surveillance data and study results at in-house, national and international meetings/conferences and attend national and international conferences.
- Develop teaching material and teach on in-house courses and external courses.
- Represent Immunisation Department in weekly infections update meeting and develop/ maintain appropriate pages on UKHSA website.
- To support public health incident responses that the Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Disease division support or lead on, all members of the division who are EO grade and above are required to undertake the appropriate training for task manager role, to be able to undertake the role of task manager as and when required
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Contribute and project manage specific research studies of vaccine preventable diseases.
- Analyse surveillance data and results of studies and write reports and papers for scientific journals.
- Contribute to writing of policy documents for the prevention and control of vaccine preventable diseases.
- Assist in the preparation of papers and reports to inform policy for the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
- Design presentations and present surveillance data and study results at in-house, national and international meetings/conferences and attend national and international conferences.
- Develop teaching material and teach on in-house courses and external courses.
- Represent Immunisation Department in weekly infections update meeting and develop/ maintain appropriate pages on UKHSA website.
- To support public health incident responses that the Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Disease division support or lead on, all members of the division who are EO grade and above are required to undertake the appropriate training for task manager role, to be able to undertake the role of task manager as and when required
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- First degree in a science subject.
- Higher degree in Epidemiology or allied discipline or relevant postgraduate experience.
- Postgraduate work/study in public health microbiology, epidemiology, or an allied subject.
Experience
Essential
- Developing / using relational databases (including Access), spreadsheets, statistical and graphics packages (e.g. Stata or R) to an advanced level.
- Writing/evaluating scientific work.
- Interpreting and evaluating microbiological or epidemiological data on vaccine preventable diseases and numerate and deep analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for own technical work and time.
- Ability to work as an effective team member.
- Ability to analyse, summarise and interpret complex epidemiological data.
- Ability to prepare and produce concise yet insightful communications for dissemination to senior stakeholders and a broad range of stakeholders as required.
- Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable
- Vaccine schedule and polices in the UK.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- First degree in a science subject.
- Higher degree in Epidemiology or allied discipline or relevant postgraduate experience.
- Postgraduate work/study in public health microbiology, epidemiology, or an allied subject.
Experience
Essential
- Developing / using relational databases (including Access), spreadsheets, statistical and graphics packages (e.g. Stata or R) to an advanced level.
- Writing/evaluating scientific work.
- Interpreting and evaluating microbiological or epidemiological data on vaccine preventable diseases and numerate and deep analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for own technical work and time.
- Ability to work as an effective team member.
- Ability to analyse, summarise and interpret complex epidemiological data.
- Ability to prepare and produce concise yet insightful communications for dissemination to senior stakeholders and a broad range of stakeholders as required.
- Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable
- Vaccine schedule and polices in the UK.
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).
