At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.

The Senior Scientist works closely with senior epidemiologist colleagues to provide epidemiological and data management support across a number of topic areas; and to the epidemiological investigation of incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases and routine, supporting local Health Protection Teams and in collaboration with other partners. This will include supporting and managing the technical and analytical aspects of epidemiological outbreak investigations and supporting a team in carrying out these tasks.

The interface with local, regional and national colleagues, as well as with external stakeholders, will be an important feature of this role.

Location

Civic centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH / Blenheim House, West One, Duncombe Street, Leeds, LS1 4PL with Hybrid working

You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process.

Essential Criteria:

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Scientist.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 words (max 1250) that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area (in the maintenance, analysis of data)MSc in Epidemiology, public health or allied discipline or equivalent level of experience/educationKnowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reportingExperience of interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses and performing analytical epidemiologyDemonstrable experience of public health, health protection or epidemiologyKnowledge and experience of common statistical tests, modelling and analyses and interpret results appropriately, including for research purposesUnderstanding of information governance including data protection and confidentiality requirementsExcellent oral and written communication skills with proven presentation and scientific report writing skillsUnderstand of information governance including data protection and confidentiality requirementsProficient in common statistical/database/mapping tools such as STATA, R, GIS, network analysis, SQL, etc. Desirable

Experience of research activities with one or more first author publications in peer reviewed journalsExperience of teaching epidemiology and/or surveillance Please see the job description for a full list of essential/desirable criteria