Job summary
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.
Main duties of the job
The pathogen genomics senior scientist will provide technical and scientific expertise, bringing knowhow of transitioning applications from R&D to implemented services or products. The post holder will work closely with the Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead to support the development and implementation of genomics services. They will provide technical and scientific support, proactively engaging with colleagues across UKHSA to help facilitate mechanisms to share knowhow and expertise. Harmonise genomic applications across the regions, supporting and delivering on strategies for training and development. As well as supporting the development of new genomic services, horizon scanning, including working with industry and other organisations.
The post holder will need to have a good understanding of infectious diseases, wet lab and bioinformatic methods, specifically within Genomics. Ideally, hands on experience in either genome sequencing approaches or bioinformatic analyses of genomics data. As the post holder will support the review, validation of new genomic services, end to end and collaborate with scientists across these areas. Therefore, a strong understanding of the relevant technologies, applications and limitations or strengths of, for pathogen genomics will be important.
The post holder will work with colleagues who are based across the country at different sites and/or who work remotely.
About us
Working for the UKHSA
For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Benefits
- 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 average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role and Functions:
- Support the Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead and colleagues, offering expertise on both technical and strategic implementation. This is a collaborative role, working with colleagues within and external to UKHSA to implement a national pathogen genomic network of services.
- Provide expert public health genomics advice and support, underpinned by data driven decision making. Therefore, must be able to perform basic bioinformatic data interpretation and analyses.
- Leveraging innovative solutions, great communication skills, and public health genomics expertise be an enabler of knowledge exchange working, with expert and non-expert stakeholders, to bridge R&D and applications.
- To support the delivery of the wide range of objectives expected for the implementation of end-to-end pathogen genomic services. Therefore, must be a highly motivated, solutions focused, team player able to work across a diversity of teams and expertise.
- Act as scientific point of contact, offering expertise on both technical and strategic implementation. This is a collaborative role, working with colleagues within and external to UKHSA to implement a national pathogen genomic network of services
- To deputise for the pathogen genomics scientific lead when needed and as appropriate
- Provide professional scientific leadership for members for public health genomics, underpinned by data driven decision making. Therefore, must be able to perform basic bioinformatic data interpretation and analyses.
- Contribute to committees and working groups within UKHSA and external, as required. Support research/commercial projects within areas of expertise.
- Secure research, development and implementation links and raise the profile of UKHSA pathogen genomics
- Disseminate research data through invited lectures, national and international conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
- Participate in emergency responses and exercises as required and at the request of the Deputy Director.
Staff Management
- To act as line manager for pathogen genomics science staff when appropriate, including for Individual Performance Reviews (IPR), annual leave, workload allocation, grievance and disciplinary matters, and other responsibilities. At present this role does not have any Line Management responsibility.
- To ensure staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring that levels of supervision are sufficient
- Take a direct role in the selection and appointment of pathogen genomics staff and other scientific staff appointments as required.
- To develop and maintain good working relationships with staff and collaborators (both internal and external) including support for strengthening of international collaborations
- To act as principal investigator (or co-investigator, where appropriate) for all grant-funded and grant-in-aid-funded research projects within the Science division, as required.
Technical/Scientific/Reference services
- Scientific and managerial responsibilities for the provision of pathogen genomics services in consultation with the Pathogen Genomics Scientific lead and the Deputy Director.
- Scientific laboratory investigator support for multicentre, national pathogen genomics programmes
- To help ensure, and support maintenance of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory work, the methodologies used, and the archiving of material
- Responsibility for the interpretation of results generated by pathogen genomic services, supporting sequencing, technical and operations teams
- To be responsible for introducing and validating novel methodologies into the Pathogen Genomic Services
Research and Development
- To apply for grant funding to support R&D activity as either Principal Investigator or co-applicant, as appropriate
- To participate in and support other R&D activities within the laboratory and the UKHSA as required
- To present work orally, internally within the UKHSA and at national and international scientific meetings and conferences
- To seek funds and act as principal supervisor for PhD studentships in accordance with pathogen genomic services and (as required) as co-supervisor for students based within Pathogen Genomics
- To negotiate with commercial companies for contract R&D
- To prepare reports for internal and external collaborators as required
- Write scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- To participate in discussions and negotiations to inform UKHSA and wider stakeholders on long term strategies for pathogen genomics.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;
Internal
- Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead
- Deputy Director Pathogen Genomics
- Unit Head of CSL
- Pathogen Genomics and Colindale genomics specialists
- Medical, scientific, technical and corporate staff throughout UKHSA
- Corporate, Board, and Support Staff
- Health Protection Services staff
- Staff at all levels across the wider UKHSA
External
- Government Departments i.e. DHSC, including the Devolved Administrations
- National/International Agencies e.g. NIBSC, European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and CDC Atlanta
- NHS England
- External Committees
- Strategic Health Authorities
- PCTs
- Local Authorities
- NHS Consultants and Laboratory Staff
- Accreditation Bodies (UKAS)
- Health and Safety Executive
- Universities
- Commercial Companies
UKHSA Committees and Working Groups
- To extend the role outside of the Laboratory, by participation in local, regional and national committees or working groups as appropriate
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.
It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 INTERVIEW
This competition will involve an interview by video.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. Candidates will also be asked to participate in a session where they will be required to prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation to the panel. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. The presentation will be designed to assess each candidates experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and improving
- Communicating and influencing
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 8th of October 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: w/c 9th of October 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1200 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role and Functions:
- Support the Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead and colleagues, offering expertise on both technical and strategic implementation. This is a collaborative role, working with colleagues within and external to UKHSA to implement a national pathogen genomic network of services.
- Provide expert public health genomics advice and support, underpinned by data driven decision making. Therefore, must be able to perform basic bioinformatic data interpretation and analyses.
- Leveraging innovative solutions, great communication skills, and public health genomics expertise be an enabler of knowledge exchange working, with expert and non-expert stakeholders, to bridge R&D and applications.
- To support the delivery of the wide range of objectives expected for the implementation of end-to-end pathogen genomic services. Therefore, must be a highly motivated, solutions focused, team player able to work across a diversity of teams and expertise.
- Act as scientific point of contact, offering expertise on both technical and strategic implementation. This is a collaborative role, working with colleagues within and external to UKHSA to implement a national pathogen genomic network of services
- To deputise for the pathogen genomics scientific lead when needed and as appropriate
- Provide professional scientific leadership for members for public health genomics, underpinned by data driven decision making. Therefore, must be able to perform basic bioinformatic data interpretation and analyses.
- Contribute to committees and working groups within UKHSA and external, as required. Support research/commercial projects within areas of expertise.
- Secure research, development and implementation links and raise the profile of UKHSA pathogen genomics
- Disseminate research data through invited lectures, national and international conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
- Participate in emergency responses and exercises as required and at the request of the Deputy Director.
Staff Management
- To act as line manager for pathogen genomics science staff when appropriate, including for Individual Performance Reviews (IPR), annual leave, workload allocation, grievance and disciplinary matters, and other responsibilities. At present this role does not have any Line Management responsibility.
- To ensure staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring that levels of supervision are sufficient
- Take a direct role in the selection and appointment of pathogen genomics staff and other scientific staff appointments as required.
- To develop and maintain good working relationships with staff and collaborators (both internal and external) including support for strengthening of international collaborations
- To act as principal investigator (or co-investigator, where appropriate) for all grant-funded and grant-in-aid-funded research projects within the Science division, as required.
Technical/Scientific/Reference services
- Scientific and managerial responsibilities for the provision of pathogen genomics services in consultation with the Pathogen Genomics Scientific lead and the Deputy Director.
- Scientific laboratory investigator support for multicentre, national pathogen genomics programmes
- To help ensure, and support maintenance of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory work, the methodologies used, and the archiving of material
- Responsibility for the interpretation of results generated by pathogen genomic services, supporting sequencing, technical and operations teams
- To be responsible for introducing and validating novel methodologies into the Pathogen Genomic Services
Research and Development
- To apply for grant funding to support R&D activity as either Principal Investigator or co-applicant, as appropriate
- To participate in and support other R&D activities within the laboratory and the UKHSA as required
- To present work orally, internally within the UKHSA and at national and international scientific meetings and conferences
- To seek funds and act as principal supervisor for PhD studentships in accordance with pathogen genomic services and (as required) as co-supervisor for students based within Pathogen Genomics
- To negotiate with commercial companies for contract R&D
- To prepare reports for internal and external collaborators as required
- Write scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- To participate in discussions and negotiations to inform UKHSA and wider stakeholders on long term strategies for pathogen genomics.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;
Internal
- Pathogen Genomics Scientific Lead
- Deputy Director Pathogen Genomics
- Unit Head of CSL
- Pathogen Genomics and Colindale genomics specialists
- Medical, scientific, technical and corporate staff throughout UKHSA
- Corporate, Board, and Support Staff
- Health Protection Services staff
- Staff at all levels across the wider UKHSA
External
- Government Departments i.e. DHSC, including the Devolved Administrations
- National/International Agencies e.g. NIBSC, European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and CDC Atlanta
- NHS England
- External Committees
- Strategic Health Authorities
- PCTs
- Local Authorities
- NHS Consultants and Laboratory Staff
- Accreditation Bodies (UKAS)
- Health and Safety Executive
- Universities
- Commercial Companies
UKHSA Committees and Working Groups
- To extend the role outside of the Laboratory, by participation in local, regional and national committees or working groups as appropriate
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.
It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 INTERVIEW
This competition will involve an interview by video.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. Candidates will also be asked to participate in a session where they will be required to prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation to the panel. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. The presentation will be designed to assess each candidates experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and improving
- Communicating and influencing
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 8th of October 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: w/c 9th of October 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1200 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- PhD or equivalent additional training, with degree in relevant subject
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- State registration with HCPC
Experience
Essential
- Significant postgraduate practical and theoretical experience in public microbiology, medical microbiology, public health genomics or bioinformatics.
- Proficient in database management, molecular analysis including phylogenetic. Extensive experience, working knowledge and competency of genomics and/or bioinformatics.
- Understands quality assurance principles, safety requirements and procedures
- Understands the role of the UKHSA and the importance of a good relationship with staff and customers
- Understands safety, laboratory management and/or service policy development and implementation
- Evidence of independent research, providing technical advice, scientific problem solving, R&D and applied sciences.
- Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff
- Ability to prepare and present grant applications and monitor budgets
- Aptitude for managing people and assessing performance
- Leadership: able to motivate others, encourage teamwork, delegate and get the best out of people
- Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
- Evidence of presentation and negotiation skills
- Able to work across organisational boundaries
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practices
- Experience of acting as invited independent speaker
- Experience of dealing with journal publishers (incl. manuscript submission and refereeing), commercial and research bodies
- Able to effectively communicate complex concepts and information to staff and wider stakeholders
- Able to deputise as needed for the scientific lead, working with others and leading on task deliverables
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
- Willingness to travel, some activities are likely to require visiting other national laboratories.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- PhD or equivalent additional training, with degree in relevant subject
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- State registration with HCPC
Experience
Essential
- Significant postgraduate practical and theoretical experience in public microbiology, medical microbiology, public health genomics or bioinformatics.
- Proficient in database management, molecular analysis including phylogenetic. Extensive experience, working knowledge and competency of genomics and/or bioinformatics.
- Understands quality assurance principles, safety requirements and procedures
- Understands the role of the UKHSA and the importance of a good relationship with staff and customers
- Understands safety, laboratory management and/or service policy development and implementation
- Evidence of independent research, providing technical advice, scientific problem solving, R&D and applied sciences.
- Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff
- Ability to prepare and present grant applications and monitor budgets
- Aptitude for managing people and assessing performance
- Leadership: able to motivate others, encourage teamwork, delegate and get the best out of people
- Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
- Evidence of presentation and negotiation skills
- Able to work across organisational boundaries
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practices
- Experience of acting as invited independent speaker
- Experience of dealing with journal publishers (incl. manuscript submission and refereeing), commercial and research bodies
- Able to effectively communicate complex concepts and information to staff and wider stakeholders
- Able to deputise as needed for the scientific lead, working with others and leading on task deliverables
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
- Willingness to travel, some activities are likely to require visiting other national laboratories.
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).
