Scientific Database Analyst

Job summary

The post is within the surveillance section of the AMR & HCAI Division. The primary function of this post is to coordinate and develop the collation and epidemiological analysis of AMR & HCAI surveillance data-sets. Under the supervision of senior scientific staff, the post holder will regularly extract, collate and validate surveillance data-sets and carry out epidemiological analyses to monitor trends, geographic distribution and risk factors. They will contribute to the delivery of surveillance and policy reports and to peer-reviewed publications.

The post-holder will adopt a variety of public health and surveillance portfolios, develop and implement standardised data collection and analysis protocols, will identify data quality issues and will facilitate their resolution. They will ensure that data are collected and processed in accordance with relevant policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) and will undertake regular assessments of data quality and completeness.

Job description

The postholder will:

• Develop and utilise information and intelligence systems related to the projects to underpin public health action across the department and surveillance systems therein.
• Have responsibility for the development and productivity of the information and intelligence system(s) related to the projects, including project management.
• Undertake specialist and complex analyses of quantitative and/or qualitative datasets which will require selection of the best option from a range of possible solutions.
• Analyse and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence from a range of sources to inform decision making.
• Receive, interpret, provide and advise on complex epidemiological and statistical information about the health of populations to the NHS, Department of Health and others.
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically research and other specialist information with colleagues from own or other disciplines and present findings at local, national and international meetings and conferences.
• Write and/or contribute to national and local policy setting reports, as well as peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, on the health of the population.
• Undertake literature reviews, evaluative research surveys, audits and other research as required.
• Assist in teaching and training courses run at Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Colindale and outside, by producing presentation materials and assist in AMR & HCAI lectures.
• Be responsible to the Section Leads in the AMR & HCAI Division through the Principal or Senior Scientist coordinating the projects.
• Manage staff working on work-areas within the AMR & HCAI Division, if required.
• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan.
• Attending internal / external training events.
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance, and all other mandatory training

MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The postholder will:

• Be responsible to the Section Leads in the AMR & HCAI Division through the Principal or Senior Scientist coordinating the projects.
• Manage staff working on work-areas within the AMR & HCAI Division, if required

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan.
• Attending internal / external training events
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;

Internal

• All UKHSA staff involved in the work of the AMR & HCAI Division

External

• Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
• AMR & HCAI & Leads in devolved administrations
• NHS England, NHS Improvement, CQC, NICE and other relevant national bodies
• AMR Programmes of Devolved Administrations
• Royal Colleges
• Professional and learned societies
• Data providers (clinicians, nurses, health advisers etc.) to ensure data quality and timely reporting, and internal and external data users.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Primary Degree in a suitable science subject (e.g Computer science, Information Technology, Biology, Physics, Health sciences)
• Scientific research work experience, particularly in public health
• Data management, analysis and reporting
• Interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data
• Preparing scientific reports and presentations
• Proficient in database software packages including common statistical/database languages such as SQL, R, STATA, network analysis, etc.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of communicable disease epidemiology, surveillance and prevention
• Experience of project management

Benefits

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 (opens in a new window).

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.

• 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%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in