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.
This position is based in the Evaluation and Epidemiological Sciences Division, in the Scientific Strategy and Evidence Directorate. This division sits within the Chief Scientific Officer Group in UKHSA.

The Evaluation & Epidemiological Sciences Division delivers core functions across UKHSA aligned to the following areas:

• Identify evaluation and epidemiology science priorities which are focused on scientific, research or public health needs & co-ordinate activities to address those
• Lead and collaborate on urgent or high impact evaluations which meet identified health security needs
• Provide a rapid evaluation and epidemiology science advice function to support standard & enhanced response IMTs as appropriate
• Provide evaluation & epidemiology science advice to the Centre for Climate and Health Security and the Centre for Pandemic Preparedness and other subject matter expert teams within UKHSA
• Establish strategic links with key internal & external stakeholders including the Behavioural Science & Evaluation HPRU leading to delivery of joint priorities and external funding applications for discrete activities
• Support the translation of scientific evidence into policy and practice as appropriate, working closely with the Behavioural Science & Insights Division and the Research Management & Knowledge Division.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Epidemiology Scientist works closely with colleagues to provide support across a number of areas. Specifically, this post will provide senior scientific support to evaluations and epidemiological science priorities identified through business as usual and as part of UKHSA incident response and collaborating with other internal and external partners. This will include leading and managing the technical and analytical aspects of evaluation and epidemiological science activities, and leading and supporting a team in carrying out these tasks. This post will require management of projects and of staff.
The post holder will be expected to identify and develop the means to answer key questions in the evaluation of public health programmes and to provide clear evidence-based advice. They will be expected to lead major epidemiological research programmes and to collaborate with external stakeholders to seek research funding where necessary.
The post holder will also lead on writing reports on specific projects, regular and ad hoc publications and peer reviewed publications.
The post holder will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and professional accountability and maintain an up to date knowledge of developments in the field through continuing professional development.
The post holder must have the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues to influence decision-making. They should demonstrate previous experience in developing and managing projects or delivering high-quality scientific outputs. They will pay close attention to detail, be highly motivated and have excellent interpersonal skills.
This post may require regular travel within the geographical area of responsibility and travel elsewhere/nationally.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or equivalent level in relevant subject (e.g. Biological science, epidemiology, public health) or equivalent experience.
• MSc in Epidemiology, or allied discipline or equivalent experience/education

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reporting
• Experience of interpreting and evaluating complex epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses and performing analytical epidemiology
• Demonstrable experience of public health, health protection or epidemiology including epidemiology for incident investigations
• Knowledge and experience of common statistical tests, modelling and analyses and interpret results appropriately, including for research purposes

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

• Able to build and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and key stakeholders, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven presentation and scientific report writing skills
• Proven capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
• People supervisory and leadership skills that empower, support, and develop teams to encourage high performance and enable team members to reach their full potential
• People supervisory and leadership skills that empower, support, and develop teams to encourage high performance and enable team members to reach their full potential
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

STAGE 1: APPLICATION & SIFT

Competency-based.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 750 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

The pile ‘meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting stage.

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

• Experience of interpreting and evaluating complex epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses and performing analytical epidemiology and
• People supervisory and leadership skills that empower, support, and develop teams to encourage high performance and enable team members to reach their full potential.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/ large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description).
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
Please do not exceed 750 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 DUTIES

• 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.