Bioinformatician

Job summary

We are seeking a Bioinformatician to join the Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU).

GBRU is a National Reference Laboratory providing specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 & 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species.

GBRU works at local/regional/national/international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people’s health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. Currently a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect/identify and type bacterial isolates, increasingly involving use of whole genome sequencing. We are streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology and maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high propriety in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.

Job description

GBRU undertakes surveillance, advises on outbreak investigation and on any public health risk. With the increasing development of genomics including the generation of sequence data from whole genomic sequencing, this role is key to supporting the Unit with necessary bioinformatic expertise and advice regarding appropriate analysis tools, equipment and procedures for the analysis of complex scientific information for the development and support of reference services.

The appointee will support development of bioinformatics and public health informatics for GBRU:

• Compile, in appropriate databases and formats, complex data arising from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) from a range of gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens.
• Support the development bioinformatics tools and pipelines suitable for analysis and comparison of the genome sequences generated.
• Undertake analyses on data arising from WGS for reference service delivery, including outbreak analysis, bacterial discrimination, and service development projects, and to assist in the timely generation of meaningful reports to customers.
• Support preparation of reports, posters and publications arising from data at national and international meetings.
• Contribute to day-to-day running and maintenance of the software and computer systems delivering existing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) pipelines.
• Work with bioinformaticians at UKHSA on efficient bioinformatics pipelines suitable for analysis and comparative genomics of bacterial genome sequences, within GBRU’s remit.
• Compile data arising from priority projects/routine data to characterize bacterial pathogens.
• Assist to provide a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease and general investigations of illness as appropriate.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques/methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work with genomic platforms.
• Undertake analysis of data arising from GBRU genome sequencing projects, including temporal and geographical cluster analysis, characterization of clones, resistance / virulence array data, full genome or resistance plasmid sequencing.
• Train others in the use of tools developed.
• Write and update working instruction and SOPs.
• Prepare reports, posters and publications arising from the data analysis and present findings at internal and/or external meetings.
• Comply with safety and quality protocols and procedures at all times.
• Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in pathogen bioinformatics.
• Ensure compliance with ISO and other accreditation and certification standards, being part of Quality system in place.
• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security Information Office.

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.

It should be noted that the work of BRD is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

This is not an exhaustive list, and the above is only an outline of the core components, tasks and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and the UKHSA.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Degree in Bioinformatics or a related microbiology discipline.
• Application and adaptation of bioinformatics tools to analyse biological data using the UNIX command line.
• Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. next-generation/ whole genome sequences).
• Programming/Script writing (eg. Python, bash).
• Multitasking; time management skills; able to work to deadlines and achieve milestones.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• An understanding of the principals of DNA sequence analysis and phylogenetics.
• Knowledge of molecular microbiology and molecular epidemiology.
• Experience in working with complex datasets and within challenging environments.
• Knowledge of Bacterial Pathogens.
• Understanding of the public sector.
• Database management (PostgreSQL, SQL queries).
• Public speaking at national or international meetings.
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.

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.

• 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%

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

UKHSA 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.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

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

Competency based

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 the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 6 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1000 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV – please note you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all Essential Criteria
• Meets some Essential Criteria
• Meets no Essential Criteria

Only those that 'Meet all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria:

• Application and adaptation of bioinformatics tools to analyse biological data using the UNIX command line.
• Experience in the analysis of large molecular datasets (incl. high throughput sequencing data).
• Programming / script writing (eg. Python, bash).

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview - Competency based

You will be invited to a remote interview.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 6 Essential Criteria:

• Knowledge
  
• Experience
  
• Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation on the work that best showcases your capabilities and expertise as a developer of bioinformatics methods, with particular reference to your own contribution and technical inputs.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Additional Information

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our laboratory in London - 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at our lab.

Salary Information

Grade: Civil Service Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

HEO Inner: £37,749 - £45,353 Per annum, pro rata

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Fixed Term Posts

If you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term Appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant based outside of UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan,which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per UKHSA’s pay policy.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires CTC clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud Check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub, and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for external candidates to the Civil Service.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Sarah Handy
• Email : sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Visit the Civil Service Commission website for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/v7954011