Epidemiological Data Scientist (Advanced) in Cardiff

This post is fixed term for 19 months due to funding. We are looking for an Advanced Epidemiological Data Scientist to join Public Health Wales' Engineering, Data Science and Genomic Epidemiology (EDGE) specialty group in the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC). The exciting opportunity is ideal for data scientists with a passion for infectious disease modelling and surveillance. You will be contributing to the development of infectious disease modelling and enhancing analytical pipelines to transform our existing data infrastructure to cloud platforms.

Main duties of the job

This is a senior role that will develop the use of data science techniques to support the work of CDSC. The postholder will develop mathematical and epidemiological models which simulate the spread of infectious diseases. The post holder will develop methods and processes to maintain existing surveillance systems and set up new ones. This will include the management, maintenance and quality improvement of data flows to CDSC. The post holder will work with senior epidemiologists to implement emerging methods in data science such as data linkage and machine learning and explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence. The post holder will also work closely with microbiologists to develop new surveillance methods using the results of whole genome sequencing of pathogens, and will also have a role in supporting field epidemiology activities. The post-holder will use highly developed skills in data science, health informatics and project management to define, interpret and provide solutions to complex public health problems. This will involve framing problems in epidemiological terms, analysing complex data sets, ensuring outputs from projects are delivered to time and reporting findings to stakeholders, including the public, health professionals within Public Health Wales, the NHS, Health Boards and Welsh Government. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

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.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be required to communicate analytical, statistical, epidemiological and evidence-based results and issues to a wide range of internal and external staff, and assist in guiding them on an appropriate course of action. The above will require excellent negotiating skills, appropriate tailoring of explanations to the audience involved, and explanations of sometimes contentious data. The post-holder will be required to liaise with a large group of health professionals and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and geographical levels to ensure accuracy and validity of information received, including clinicians, government officials and public health colleagues. This includes representation on inter-agency groups as required. The post-holder will be required to work with healthcare, local authority and other staff in a diplomatic manner to enable timely and valid field investigations for outbreaks and incidents, including site visits and information gathering. The post-holder may be required to interview cases and other individuals in the course of field investigations.

Person Specification

• Qualifications

• Degree in a scientific, computing or health related subject
• Masters qualification or equivalent experience acquired in a data-related field
• A qualification or demonstrable training/experience in data science

• Substantial post-graduate experience of relevant scientific work
• Experience of working with large and complex databases
• Understanding of current scientific and/or epidemiological advances
• Experience of training other staff groups
• Experience of surveillance and epidemiology
• Demonstrable experience of working within a public health setting

• Advanced data science and statistical methods
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to document and communicate clearly and succinctly
• Advanced skills in statistical and database software (Stata, MS Access, R) to manage and analyse complex data
• Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn

• Specialist knowledge of data science methods
• Knowledge of epidemiological principles and their application to communicable disease surveillance and control
• Knowledge of Public Health Wales
• Knowledge and experience of the architecture and practice of large-scale data management

• Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure
• Flexible approach and commitment to apply skills in support of clinical/scientific priorities
• Proven track record as a team player
• Enthusiastic approach with excellent planning and organisational skills
• Negotiation and diplomacy skills to work with a wide range of staff

• Ability to foster and maintain good working relationships with administrative staff, scientific staff and health professionals at all levels
• Commitment to CPD within Public Health competency frameworks
• Prepared to travel

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.