Scientist At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency

Overview

Job Title

Scientist

Location

Brent, Middlesex, United Kingdom

Salary

Job Type

Permanent, full-time

At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting against infectious diseases and external hazards.

We are a trusted source of advice to the government and the public, with a focus on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and other health threats.

Our work is challenging, innovative, and critically important.

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated Scientist to join our team and contribute to the development of enhanced surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases, with a particular focus on diphtheria, tetanus, and varicella.

You will elucidate the epidemiology of these diseases, evaluate their public health impact, and develop and improve control strategies.

You will also contribute to research studies related to vaccine-preventable diseases.

Location

This position is based in our Colindale, London office, but we offer a hybrid working arrangement.

You will have the opportunity to work from home, with the number of days in the office determined on an individual basis by your line manager, primarily based on business needs and departmental policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Manage and analyze surveillance data from various sources, coordinating follow-ups and confirmation samples when necessary.
• Collaborate closely with team members to respond to scientific queries.
• Liaise with clinicians to obtain enhanced surveillance data and work with NHS and reference laboratories on laboratory data.
• Prepare routine surveillance reports for the Health Protection Report.
• Assist in investigating and controlling outbreaks.
• Conduct evaluations of surveillance systems.
• Project manage specific research studies related to vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Analyze surveillance data and research results, preparing reports and scientific papers for journals.
• Contribute to the development of policy documents for the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Assist in preparing papers and reports to inform policy for the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization.
• Design presentations and present surveillance data and study results at various meetings and conferences.
• Develop teaching materials and participate in in-house and external courses.
• Represent the Immunisation Department in weekly infections update meetings and maintain appropriate web content on the UKHSA website.
• Support public health incident responses within the Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Disease division.

Essential Criteria

• To be successful in this role, you should meet the following essential criteria:
• First degree in a science subject.
• Higher degree in Epidemiology or allied discipline or relevant postgraduate experience.
• Postgraduate work/study in public health microbiology, epidemiology, or an allied subject.
• Proficiency in using relational databases (including Access), spreadsheets, statistical and graphics packages (e. g., Stata or R) to an advanced level.
• Strong scientific writing and evaluation skills.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate microbiological or epidemiological data related to vaccine-preventable diseases and possess numerate and deep analytical skills.
• Capacity to work independently and take ownership of technical work and time management.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in analyzing, summarizing, and interpreting complex epidemiological data.
• Capability to create concise yet insightful communications for dissemination to senior stakeholders and a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience in creating and delivering presentations to diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and fostering good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of vaccine schedules and policies in the UK.

How to Apply

For a full job description and further details, please use the apply process.

Note: This role can only be worked from within the UK, and relocation expenses are not available.

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