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Senior Scientist

UK Health Security Agency

The closing date is 19 May 2025

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Job summary

The post-holder will be a member of scientific staff working on a range of activities undertaken by the Emerging Infections and Zoonoses team. The post-holder will be responsible for managing, analysing, developing and improving the surveillance portfolio, surveillance systems and databases for infections including mpox and vector borne diseases. The post-holder will also collaborate closely with colleagues working in animal health and other agencies/ institutes. They will be expected to work independently and in close liaison with the scientific Lead Epidemiologist and the Consultant Epidemiologist for vector borne diseases.

This post will provide critical scientific and data-management skills. The post-holder will be responsible for developing appropriate data linkage, analysing, and interpreting complex data on the epidemiology of mpox and vector borne diseases and providing outputs to a range of national and international stakeholders. Timely information outputs from surveillance will be a crucial aspect of the post. They will also contribute to scientific and logistical support for investigations into national outbreaks; the development of research proposals; writing scientific reports and papers for publication; and presenting epidemiological findings at a range of national and international meetings and conferences.

The post-holder will undertake specific projects to support other work areas of the EIZ team, including the response to incidents.

Main duties of the job

Surveillance

  • To manage and co-ordinate the development of national surveillance systems and databases for vector borne diseases and mpox
  • To conduct complex statistical and epidemiological analyses of data on vector borne diseases drawn from a variety of surveillance sources ensuring the availability of quality epidemiological data
  • Identify gaps in surveillance activities, prioritise these and contribute to the development of new surveillance initiatives and linkages as appropriate

Incidents

  • Contribute to public health advice and assistance in mpox or vector borne disease incidents or outbreaks to colleagues both within the Epidemic and Emerging Infections directorate and externally to partner agencies such as Defra, APHA, etc.
  • Provide specialist advice on the epidemiological aspects of the prevention and control of vector borne diseases including contributing to the development of guidance in the management of such incidents
  • Liaise with others working on vector borne diseases and mpox, establishing good links with other government agencies and devolved administrations

Continues below

About us

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.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Date posted

02 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£44,852 to £50,472 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-62092796-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Continued from above

Research, publications and training

  • To contribute to development of research proposals consistent with the aims of the work of the EIZ section, and contribute to the research carried out by other members of the section
  • To conduct statistical analyses of epidemiological and microbiological data for research projects
  • Writing research reports, peer-reviewed publications and presenting at scientific meetings
  • To regularly update the relevant web-pages with data and associated information
  • To provide technical reports and advice documents for expert committees and national and local incident control teams
  • Develop presentations and give training in the post-holders areas of expertise
  • Contribute to the training for new members of staff within the section

Essential Criteria

  • First degree in a science subject
  • Higher degree in Microbiology, Epidemiology or an allied subject (MSc or equivalent)
  • Strong analytical skills - statistical analysis of large and complex epidemiological datasets
  • Managing epidemiological studies
  • Writing scientific papers and/or project reports
  • Using databases, spreadsheets, statistical and graphics packages to an advanced level
  • Having a thorough understanding and knowledge of recent advances in the epidemiology and microbiology of infectious diseases, particularly of emerging infections and zoonoses
  • Ability to work both independently - taking responsibility for own technical work and time and as an effective team member
  • Ability to liaise with a range of health professionals and scientific and industry specialists
  • Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly
  • Ability to work on a number of separate tasks at the same time, whilst keeping to agreed deadlines
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to analyse complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources
  • 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

Desirable Criteria

  • An understanding of outbreak investigation
  • Presenting scientific papers at national and international meetings/ conferences

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

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1500 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

Piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of:

  • Strong analytical skills - statistical analysis of large and complex epidemiological datasets

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 & assessment.Please do not exceed 1500 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.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to undertake a brief assessment of a dataset as part of the interview process. The subject of this will be sent prior to interview and interviewed candidates will be asked to present their findings at the interview.

Interview 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.

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 Criteria

External: 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 Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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).

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. If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Continued from above

Research, publications and training

  • To contribute to development of research proposals consistent with the aims of the work of the EIZ section, and contribute to the research carried out by other members of the section
  • To conduct statistical analyses of epidemiological and microbiological data for research projects
  • Writing research reports, peer-reviewed publications and presenting at scientific meetings
  • To regularly update the relevant web-pages with data and associated information
  • To provide technical reports and advice documents for expert committees and national and local incident control teams
  • Develop presentations and give training in the post-holders areas of expertise
  • Contribute to the training for new members of staff within the section

Essential Criteria

  • First degree in a science subject
  • Higher degree in Microbiology, Epidemiology or an allied subject (MSc or equivalent)
  • Strong analytical skills - statistical analysis of large and complex epidemiological datasets
  • Managing epidemiological studies
  • Writing scientific papers and/or project reports
  • Using databases, spreadsheets, statistical and graphics packages to an advanced level
  • Having a thorough understanding and knowledge of recent advances in the epidemiology and microbiology of infectious diseases, particularly of emerging infections and zoonoses
  • Ability to work both independently - taking responsibility for own technical work and time and as an effective team member
  • Ability to liaise with a range of health professionals and scientific and industry specialists
  • Communicate ideas and methods clearly and succinctly
  • Ability to work on a number of separate tasks at the same time, whilst keeping to agreed deadlines
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to analyse complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources
  • 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

Desirable Criteria

  • An understanding of outbreak investigation
  • Presenting scientific papers at national and international meetings/ conferences

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

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1500 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

Piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of:

  • Strong analytical skills - statistical analysis of large and complex epidemiological datasets

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 & assessment.Please do not exceed 1500 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.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to undertake a brief assessment of a dataset as part of the interview process. The subject of this will be sent prior to interview and interviewed candidates will be asked to present their findings at the interview.

Interview 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.

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 Criteria

External: 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 Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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).

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. If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Application Form and Statement of Suitability

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Questions on knowledge, experience, skills and capabilities
Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Application Form and Statement of Suitability

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Questions on knowledge, experience, skills and capabilities

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing Support Officer

Lisa Tweedie

Lisa.Tweedie@ukhsa.gov.uk

Date posted

02 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£44,852 to £50,472 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-62092796-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)