Data Analyst

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.

Working for your organisation

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 post will provide scientific support to the Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), at UKHSA, Colindale.

• The post will provide support to RVPBRU in the maintenance and development of Unit specific aspects of laboratory data management and the laboratory information management system (MOLIS). It will also contribute to the Unit’s analysis of its laboratory data as part of ongoing national surveillance work, as well as participating in research activities within the Unit.
• The post will support the Unit bioinformaticians in analysis of bacterial genomic sequencing data and pathogen specific web-based databases for sequence typing.
• The post will carry out scientific analysis, interpretations of the data held by the Unit, and contribute to development of other new projects for dissemination, presentation and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• The post may involve liaison with UKHSA staff at all levels.

Surveillance system and project support

• Contribute to RVPBRU surveillance activities
• Contribute to the development of new surveillance projects for RVPBRU-related infections
• Participate in research projects appropriate to the work of the Unit.

Data analysis

• In conjunction with others, develop and maintain RVPBRU-specific databases e.g. to analyse and record bacterial genetic typing data or to monitor trends in lab data.
• Analyse and interpret complex scientific data, particularly in relation to bacterial surveillance project to produce:
• regular scientific reports
• presentations at national or international meetings
• publications in peer reviewed journals
• other ad-hoc analyses

MOLIS and lab data management

• Develop and maintain RVPBRU-specific tests in the MOLIS laboratory management system (as a MOLIS superuser).
• Assist with other software solutions for uploading or extracting results from MOLIS. This may involve working with software experts in other parts of UKHSA or outside of UKHSA.

National and international outbreaks

• Liaising with medical and scientific staff in the UKHSA, NHS, and other bodies, provide information to support the investigation of outbreaks.

Confidentiality

• Be aware of, and put into practice, relevant policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality of patient information. To maintain data confidentiality and security in compliance with UKHSA policies, the Data Protection Act, and other statutory requirements.

Other surveillance activities

• Provide support for other surveillance activities as required within the Unit.

Clinical/Professional

• Ensure all RVPBRU information systems adhere to UKHSA Security of Information policy and all Caldicott regulations.
• Contribute to the training of colleagues, as required.
• Pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Quality

In collaboration with the Unit Technical Manager and the Quality Management System Team, to:

• To help to maintain laboratory accreditation (e.g., ISO 15189, via UKAS or its successors) and other agreed national and international standards.
• Maintain a high standard of work, and appraise and contribute to developing services so that they are safe, effective and economical and follows best practice.
• Interpret, design, develop, establish and disseminate standards and policies in information/data management to international regulatory standards.
• Work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system.
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and other accreditation and certification standards. Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.

Other

• 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 Unit and organisation., 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 used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on :

• Primary degree in a science or health related topic (e.g. biomedical or healthcare science /epidemiology).
• Experience of data and statistical analysis (e.g. using Excel, STATA, R), If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement - Standard DBS & BPSS

Successful candidates must pass a standard disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

• Baseline Personnel Security Standard

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .

See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks., * 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

• Primary degree in a science or health related topic (e.g. biomedical or healthcare science /epidemiology).
• Experience of data management
• Experience of data and statistical analysis (e.g. using Excel, STATA, R)
• Using database software packages (e.g. Access, SQL)
• Coding Experience (e.g. SQL, R, Python)
• Good organisational skills, communicate complex ideas and methods clearly and succinctly
• Ability to write clearly and fluently

Desirable role criteria:

• Bioinformatics experience (e.g. using commercial software or unix command line software)
• Experience with MOLIS or similar laboratory management system, There will be a presentation aimed to assess your experience in relation to data and statistical analysis (e.g. using Excel, STATA, R) usage of database software packages (e.g. Access, SQL and coding Experience (e.g. SQL, R, Python).

Pulled from the full job description

• Pay rise
• Company pension, £37,749 - £45,353 If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary.

Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP, Alongside your salary of £37,749, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,935 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,500 words. We will not consider any words over 1,500 words., This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus. 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 our campus.

Based at our scientific campus, 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., 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.