JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be responsible for developing and maintaining SQL-databases to enable the data processes within the respiratory viruses Epidemiology team and data flows to other parts of the response. In addition, they will lead on collating and assessing the feasibility of linking health record datasets, as well as navigating and negotiating data access issues through internal and external partners. They will work with senior epidemiologists within the team and colleagues in partner organisations to facilitate data processes and, where relevant, identify and implement various health information record linkage algorithms and assess the scalability of the techniques.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Lead on the design, implementation and management of databases to handle data flows securely and efficiently.
2. Responsible for collating and assessing the feasibility of linking health record datasets
3. Navigating and negotiating data access issues through partners within UKHSA, NHS England and Improvement and NHS Digital, etc
4. Work in collaboration with colleagues to identify key variables in order to link records involving a combination of formal identifiers (e.g. NHS numbers) and informal variables (e.g. sex, age etc.), and where possible, identify additional information to inform the linkage
5. Lead on assessing the accuracy and completeness of health record data as well as cleaning and standardizing the datasets
6. Work with the scientific team and other team members in identifying and implementing deterministic and probabilistic linkage algorithms, as appropriate and depending upon the datasets, and where necessary, adapting suitable data linkage methodologies and assessing the scalability of the techniques
7. Address key issues with record linkage including data divergence, redundancy and data overlap
8. Participate in the longitudinal analysis of individuals captured through the surveillance system to address complex research questions and enhance our understanding of respiratory infections
   Other Responsibilities:
   Demonstrate knowledge of suitable statistical platforms (e.g. R, STATA, SAS etc.) and/or programming languages (e.g. python, perl etc), as well as existing software (e.g. Febrl) to enable large scale data manipulation as well as a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of SQL.
   Contribute to the strategic direction of the surveillance activities, with a focus on research outcomes including developing and piloting new methods of health record data linkage.
   To contribute to the development of research proposals under the guidance of the project lead
   The successful applicant will have an understanding of health informatics, information technology, and knowledge of data services and working with standards, as well as knowledge of information governance and project assurance. Drawing on their knowledge and experience of linking large complex datasets, the post-holder should be able to demonstrate knowledge of suitable statistical platforms (e.g. R, STATA, SAS etc) and/or programming languages (e.g. python, perl etc), as well as existing software (e.g. Febrl) to enable large scale data manipulation as well as a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of SQL.
   The role will require well developed and demonstrable written and analytical skills. The post-holder must have excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a team. The post-holder will also be responsible for contributing to the strategic direction of the research and surveillance activities, including developing and piloting new methods of health record data linkage.

SELECTION PROCESS DETAILS:

Please be aware that we will assess on the 11 essential criteria and 4 desirable criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document.
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience and skills 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 11 essential criteria and 4 desirable 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

In order to be shortlisted you must meet all and some of the essential criteria listed above.

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

• Experience of database management systems (including SQL)

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and 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.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Other