Job responsibilities
Scientific research and surveillance
- Support programme managers to deliver a programme of work as set out in the teams/divisions business plan.
- Investigate worldwide entomological and infectious disease literature and other sources on emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases, to identify vector-borne disease risks that might be relevant to UK public health.
- Further develop vector research and surveillance activities for human vector-borne diseases, leading on specific projects and utilising a range of research methods (desk/lab/field-based), statistical analyses and entomological research techniques to identify risks that might be relevant to UK public health as specified in the business plan.
- Critically analyse and interpret data and information on complex, sensitive or contentious issues from internally and externally funded contract work, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for the way forward, including the production of reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and funding applications where appropriate.
- Take responsibility for the supervision, training and mentoring of staff allocated to the projects you lead. Deputise for the Principal Medical Entomologist as required and represent Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology at key cross-government (or equivalent) meetings when necessary.
- Lead projects and mentor staff on vector-borne disease related surveillance and research in the UK and overseas, ensuring timely delivery of reports to funders and stakeholders.
Publication and communication
- Liaise with colleagues in UKHSA and other Government Departments to ensure robust reporting lines for emerging VBD events and establish and maintain links/collaborations with other national and international experts to obtain relevant technical information, discuss ideas, describe work developments and progress.
- Act as a point of contact to provide expert advice on vector-borne disease issues, providing assistance to UKHSA staff, programme managers and other stakeholders.
- Assist in developing responses to internal correspondence and parliamentary questions. Supporting or leading the delivery of reports / risk assessments to Government.
Health Protection
- To produce advice and guidance materials on vector-borne disease risks for dissemination to local authorities or other government agencies responsible for health and wellbeing in their area.
- To provide written and verbal advice on the protection of the public from vector-borne disease issues where appropriate, including providing training and support to PHE centres, and local authorities on tick and mosquito related issues.
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
MEZE group members and the wider CCHS Department UKHSA colleagues when relevant/necessary, including UKHSA regional and sub-regional teams, and UKHSA centresExternal
- External suppliers, contractors, and commercial stakeholders
- Academic partners, government agencies and departments
- Members of the public
Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
Essential Criteria
- PhD in medical entomology or MSc and postgraduate experience or degree and substantial relevant experience in medical entomology including identification of arthropods, field and laboratory-based techniques, public health communication, risk assessment and statistical analyses
- Experience of contributing to large scale vector surveillance programmes with experience of developing and co-ordinating complex field-based research projects in potentially challenging environments with potentially changing priorities/tight deadlines
- Demonstration of an active research profile through peer review publication record and knowledge of the key public health issues surrounding vector-borne diseases
- Experience of drafting briefing papers, presentations and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders for project meetings and/or training purposes and evidence of continuing professional development with high degree of self-motivation
- Ability to prepare and produce evidence based scientific material for dissemination to a broad range of stakeholders, including non-specialists, as required with ability to identify scientific issues drawn from multiple sources, undertake comprehensive literature reviews, assess materials with conflicting states and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation
- Demonstrated capability to act upon incomplete information, using experience to make inferences and decisions
- Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements, accordingly, including flexibility in unpredictable situations e.g. response to global public health threats
- Excellent communication skills, team player and ability to work constructively with people across a wide range of settings and levels with an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
- A full UK driving licence
Selection Process
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
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:
- an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- a 1250 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.
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.
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
Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- A valid UK driving licence
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.
You will be required to prepare a 5 - 10 minute presentation on Medical Entomology as part of the interview.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is lab based at our scientific campus in Porton Down. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.
Future location
UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
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 Counter Terrorism Check clearance.
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. 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.
