Clinical Genomics Consultant

Job summary

There are currently 2 part time vacancies - Both part time 5 Programmed Activities per week 20 hours per week (NHS Medical and Dental pay scale) or 18.75 hours per week (NHS Agenda for Change)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been set up to provide health security and health protection for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We will act like no other organisation previously to mitigate threats to health before they materialise.

UKHSA will build the nation’s health resilience and security, strengthening our ability to detect and monitor infectious diseases and external threats to health. Using robust evidence and world-leading expertise, we will go deeper to analyse threats to health, and how best to prevent and control them. UKHSA will ensure a system-wide response in partnership with local authorities, NHS, academia, global professional institutes, and industry.

UKHSA is delivering a 5-year pathogen genomics strategy. We are looking for a consultant to work on clinical aspects of pathogen genomics transformation, within the Chief Medical Advisor Group. The individual will work across the breadth of the programme, but with a particular focus on metagenomics and clinical services development.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters. We promote 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

Job description

The post will sit within the Epidemic and Emerging Infections Directorate and work closely with the Metagenomics Programme Team. The appointed individual will provide clinical leadership to pathogen genomics projects including metagenomics Surveillance Collaboration and Analysis Programme (mSCAPE) and further surveillance and research studies using metagenomics. They will work closely both within UKHSA with the Public Health Programmes Directorate and the Chief Scientific Officer’s group, and with the NHS and public health stakeholders to ensure maximum impact from genomics transformation. They will also be responsible for elements of clinical and information governance. They will work in an integrated way with the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Public Health Genomics.

The post is subject to the below person specification. The general responsibilities for this role are:

• Clinical leadership and oversight of genomics transformation projects, with a focus on clinical surveillance and research programmes.
• Development of information and clinical governance structures and processes for pathogen genomics.
• Evaluation of health and cost evaluation of the benefit of pathogen genomics with health economists.
• Genomic surveillance development with a focus on oversight of protocol approval and information management to cover the metagenomics programme. The postholder may need to support other areas utilising genomics within UKHSA vaccine preventable diseases – including Measles, RSV, and others as required.
• Supporting modelling and providing clinical input to design of metagenomic early warning systems and clinical service integration.
• End to end genomics pipeline clinical input.
• Education for multidisciplinary health specialists.
• Supporting clinical genomics training competency development.
• May provide academic supervision (Masters and PhD) of genomics projects through Genomics HPRU.
• Developing relevant national position papers.
• Scientific contributions to business case, genomics strategy, board papers and committee papers Research and Development.
• Providing specialist public health advice, working with regional health protection teams and other stakeholders where required.
• Other duties as agreed by negotiation between the post holder and the Head of Unit.

Job plan

The details of the job plan will be agreed on appointment and will be reviewed after six months. Either party may request a job plan review at any time. For a 1 FTE post the job will be as below (part time posts will be pro-rata):

• Up to 8 PAs / 4 days for (i) Clinical / Public Health Service role in genomics across various workstreams, including teaching and training (ii) specialist input into mSCAPE or other projects including development of future research or surveillance programmes.
• 2 PA / 1 day Supporting Activities (SPAs) - Supporting activities have been allocated 2 PA in this role as it is envisaged that audit, training and translational research will be an integral part of the genomics consultant role

Additional duties

The post holder may after agreement (which should not reasonably be withheld), be required to undertake other duties as required, which fall within the grading of this post, to meet the needs of the service.

The post holder will be required to participate in on call duties, to meet the needs of the Epidemic and Emerging Infections group.

The post holder will participate in departmental quality improvement programmes including clinical audit.

For further details, please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registered medical practitioner, with full registration with the GMC, and inclusion on the Specialist Register for Infectious Diseases, Microbiology or Virology (or be eligible for entry onto that register within six months of the AAC date) or commensurate qualifications and experience
• Or registered clinical scientist in Microbiology or Virology, with full registration on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register, with certificate of completion of HSST and a Doctoral award or FRCPath (or be eligible for entry onto that register within six months of the AAC date) or commensurate qualifications and experience
• Registered medical practitioners that are UK trained must also be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview. Applicants that are non-UK trained will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT

Desirable criteria

• Further qualification such as Postgraduate thesis (MD, PhD or equivalent), MSc, DipHIC etc in a relevant field to infectious diseases, microbiology, virology, genomics
• MRCP, FRCPath or equivalent (e.g. RCPCH)

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience working with pathogen genomics during previous roles in a clinical, laboratory or analysis setting
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills
• Commitment to clinical governance and patient safety
• Interest and experience in specialty training of clinical and scientific trainees

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrated aptitude and interest in public health

Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Good interpersonal, written and communication skills and able to communicate effectively in clinical, government and international settings
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also relation to management systems

Desirable criteria

• Ability to supervise postgraduate clinical & laboratory research
• National or international scientific standing

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria

• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Salary Information

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.

AfC Band 8d (UKPHR)

£94,356 - £108,814 (HCAS inner – plus 20% basic salary to a maximum of £8,746)

(HCAS outer - plus 15% basic salary to a maximum £6,137)

Consultant (GMC)

£113,565 - £150,569 (plus £2,162 London Weighting)

UK Health Security Agency promoted diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunities employer

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

External

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

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency.

At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the Job Description & Person Specification attached to this vacancy advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1000 word Statement of Suitability/ behaviour statements / technical statements

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words

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 C.V –please be advised 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.

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

Shortlisting:

If we receive a large number of applications, an initial sift against the lead criteria will be conducted:

• Registered medical practitioner, with full registration with the GMC, and inclusion on the Specialist Register for Infectious Diseases, Microbiology or Virology (or be eligible for entry onto that register within six months of the AAC date) or commensurate qualifications and experience.
• Or registered clinical scientist in Microbiology or Virology, with full registration on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register, with certificate of completion of HSST and a Doctoral award or FRCPath (or be eligible for entry onto that register within six months of the AAC date) or commensurate qualifications and experience.
• Registered medical practitioners that are UK trained must also be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview. Applicants that are non-UK trained will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT.
• Experience working with pathogen genomics during previous roles in a clinical, laboratory or analysis setting.

We will only take through applications that meet all essential criteria.

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

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview stage (competency based):

You will be invited to a remote interview.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

You will be asked to give a 5 minute presentation on the following:

What is the role of metagenomics in informing public health action?

This vacancy is being assessed using a competency based method. During the interview we will assess against the below:

Knowledge
Experience
Skills and Abilities

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

The successful candidate will be appointed to the point of the Consultant salary scale appropriate to their years of seniority or if from a background other than medicine to NHS Agenda for Change Band 8d.

Inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice (or be eligible for registration within six months of interview).

Specialty Registrar applicants who are not yet on the GMC Specialist Register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview; all other applicants must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they have applied for inclusion in the GMC.

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check. (dependant on location)

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.

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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

NHS Pension

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing, substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

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.

UK Health Security Agency promoted diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunities employer

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 : mSCAPE team
• Email : mscape@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : scs.mdrecruitment@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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: 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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

Follow link to apply

www.healthjobsuk.com/job/v8111327

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