Job responsibilities
As a Senior Evidence Reviewer your will be supporting the use of evidence to inform public health policy, advice and research within UKHSA. Your core role will be to produce evidence synthesis products such as rapid reviews and evidence gap maps through working as part of the Science Evidence Review team.
You will work on evidence synthesis products using systematic and rapid review methodologies, involving screening of studies, data extraction, critical appraisal, evidence synthesis and report drafting. You will work across a range of review topics, using software such as Endnote, EPPI-Reviewer and Microsoft Teams. Timeframes for completing reviews will vary from several days to several months.
You will also work on the development of processes and tools required to conduct rapid reviews, including methodological development (for instance, related to critical appraisal or certainty of evidence) and technological development (such as use of artificial intelligence to support the review process).
You will work matrix style with internal colleagues, both nationally and locally, and may work with external partners. You will also support others wishing to produce or commission evidence reviews and may support the delivery of training and capacity building.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
See above under Main duties of the job
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, prioritise and organise own work and resources to meet agreed objective and deadlines.
- Be committed to UKHSA values and policies, including the Equal Opportunities Policy.
- Any other duties as specified by the Evidence Review Lead
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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 organisation.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and development needs with your line manager through appraisal and individual development plan.
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
- Undergo a programme of on-going development and education, including the annual appraisal process, to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to meet the behaviours and competencies required to undertake the role.
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
- UKHSA Knowledge & Library Services
- Research Support and Governance teams
- All Hazards Public Health Response Evidence Review team
- Evaluation and Epidemiological Science Division
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit
- Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate
- Chief Data Officer Group
- Communications team
- Relevant committees and working groups
External
- Staff in partner organisations such as other government departments, local authorities and universities as necessary
Essential Criteria
- First degree (or equivalent qualification) in a science subject
- Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience in public health, epidemiology or related field
- Knowledge of review methodologies, including systematic and rapid reviews
- Experience of conducting systematic or rapid reviews in public health or relevant field
- Experience in critical appraisal or risk of bias assessments
- Experience of writing reports and manuscripts
- Experience of presenting and interpreting public health evidence in a usable way
- Good oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills
- Comprehensive skills in the use spreadsheets and reference management software
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to maintain relationships with colleagues
- Ability to work to instruction and independently, to use initiative, and to make informed decisions in the absence of required information
- Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and to work to tight and often changing timescales
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience of working within a policy or practice environment
- Experience of conducting evidence gap maps
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
Competency-based
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 13 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1000 word supporting statement.
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 supporting statement 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
If longlisting is used the pile 'meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of:
- Experience of conducting systematic or rapid reviews in public health or relevant field
- Experience in critical appraisal or risk of bias assessment
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 1000 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.
There will be a Technical assessment with the following details:
Thirty minutes before the start of the interview, you will be sent a scientific paper to review and a Microsoft word document with 3 questions about the paper. You will be asked to send back your written answers prior to the start of the interview when your responses will be discussed and follow-up questions may be asked. No preparation is required for the test and no further detail about the test will be provided in advance.
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.
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 CriteriaExternal- 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 any of our Core HQs. 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 one of UKHSA's core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and London).
Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
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. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.
