Public Health Researcher

We are seeking a researcher to join the recently established Public Health Genomics Programme within Public Health Wales.
Public Health Wales currently operates public health services that use pathogen and human genomic data, and in the coming years this will grow significantly. Many of these services have been developed by translating research into practice, and as the Public Health Genomics Programme develops, the need for staff with research expertise to support translation and training is going to increase significantly.
This opportunity would be ideal for those who may be working in academia at present, but who would like to move towards applying their expertise to enable the translation of research into practice.
We are looking for someone who has experience in research settings, with a background in a relevant area, including genomics, metagenomics, population genomics, bioinformatics or genomic epidemiology. We are able to offer a permanent role that will be critical for the development of new services and capabilities that will ultimately benefit thousands of patients in Wales., This post forms part of the recently established Public Health Genomics Programme and will work in partnership with Public Health Wales staff, Genomics Partnership Wales stakeholders and academic colleagues to design and conduct research across the spectrum of public health genomics, particularly in relation to infectious disease.
The post holder will participate in dissemination of research findings through presentation, peer reviewed publications and reports. The post holder will develop and deliver training for to support the mainstreaming of genomics within Public Health Wales, potentially covering topics related to public health genomics, research methods and research governance. The role will provide a focus for work in relation to the translation of public health genomics into service improvements and new capabilities within the NHS in Wales. The post holder will also be encouraged to develop links with academic public health teams to develop joint projects and will provide advice and support to others in research design, conduct and analysis.

Working for our organisation
We are Public Health Wales – the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is \’Working together for a healthier Wales\’. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.
We are guided by our Values, \’Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference\’. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Public Health Development
· Translate public health genomics priorities into answerable research questions, using specific research expertise.
· Contribute to the development of new and innovative solutions employing genomics to address public health priorities
· Undertake literature searches and evidence reviews
· Develop evaluation frameworks for public health interventions
· Translate research findings for a range of audiences, including the public, and support dissemination to mobilise effective public health action in all sectors
· Develop and maintain peer networks within Wales, the UK and internationally as appropriate to meet objectives
· Advise on the development of indicators and outcome measures for public health genomics research
· Provide advice on research methods selection, use and analysis to Public Health Wales staff and key partners
· Provide specialist research input to strategic, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency planning groups
· Provide advice on research funding opportunities and the development of proposals, signpost to other sources of advice and support.
· Develop partnerships with one or more academic centres with an interest in Public Health Research to facilitate joint proposals
Management
· Manage the delivery of research projects within agreed timescales and budgets
· Develop plans for the delivery of complex research projects ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures
· Supervise the work of fieldworkers and other ad hoc research staff as required
· To be responsible for the delivery of key elements of the Public Health Genomics workplan, contributing to reports as required
Teaching and training
· Develops and delivers training for public health professionals on public health genomics, relevant research methods and research governance
· Prepares and delivers presentations for formal audiences including national/international conferences and seminars
· Supports the delivery of practitioner and specialist training programmes in public health in relation to genomics
· Trains fieldworkers and others in data collection or analysis
Research and development
· Design research proposals, including bids for external funding
· Undertake complex data collection and analysis using a range of genomic and other data intensive methods, including appraisal of a range of options and interpretation/integration of data from a range of sources, including engagement with patients and general public through the Genomics Patient Sounding Board .
· Develop innovative approaches to research questions, including development of new methods or applications according to topic area.
· Ensure that all research undertaken complies with research governance policies and procedures
· Take responsibility for the ethical collection, storage and destruction of information, including sensitive personal information
· Participate in peer review processes for research proposals and contribute to the organisations research governance function
· Identify opportunities for research taking account of the organisations priorities and strategic objectives
· Disseminate research findings using a range of methods and approaches to achieve maximum impact.
· Communicate complex information in formal and informal settings and to different audiences, including responding to challenge from experts in the field whose opinions on findings presented may differ.
Professional development
· Undertakes a programme of CPD
· Participate in appraisal and job planning
· Develops and reviews personal development plans, in conjunction with line manager
· Develop a portfolio of publications and research grant generation in collaboration with Universities in Wales.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click \”Apply now\” to view in Trac., + If you require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Visa routes, please ensure you self-assess your eligibility for sponsorship for this role before applying.
+ Check the Skilled Worker visa guidance or Health and Care visa guidance for details on job eligibility, salary, English language, and sponsorship requirements.
If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email using the address with which you registered. Please ensure you check your email account regularly.
We are committed to fair, transparent recruitment and believe in equality of opportunity in our workplace and will not tolerate discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, religion or belief, race or nationality, marriage or civil partnership status, sex, sexual orientation, working pattern, caring responsibilities, trade union activity or political beliefs – or on any other grounds. We welcome applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements.
The salary scale shown is for a full-time member of staff, with the amount being adjusted pro rata for those working less than 37.5 hours per week.
The salary scale above has been agreed as part of the NHS Agenda for Change pay award for 2025/2026 and will be implemented in August 2025 with arrears backdated to 1st April 2025 where applicable.
In general, anyone joining our Trust who has not previously worked in the NHS will, by default, start on the first point of the advertised pay band. Pay progression will then be determined by annual Performance and Development Reviews in accordance with the NHS Wales Pay Progression Policy. An application for Incremental Credit may be considered, but can only be awarded based on evidenced, reckonable service and/or equivalent, relevant experience.

Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh, any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. To support our all Wales service, we particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers., The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

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