Data Analyst

Job summary

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.

Working for your organisation

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.

Job description

This post will provide scientific support to the Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), at UKHSA, Colindale.

• The post will provide support to RVPBRU in the maintenance and development of Unit specific aspects of laboratory data management and the laboratory information management system (MOLIS). It will also contribute to the Unit’s analysis of its laboratory data as part of ongoing national surveillance work, as well as participating in research activities within the Unit.
• The post will support the Unit bioinformaticians in analysis of bacterial genomic sequencing data and pathogen specific web-based databases for sequence typing.
• The post will carry out scientific analysis, interpretations of the data held by the Unit, and contribute to development of other new projects for dissemination, presentation and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• The post may involve liaison with UKHSA staff at all levels.

Surveillance system and project support

• Contribute to RVPBRU surveillance activities

• Contribute to the development of new surveillance projects for RVPBRU-related infections

• Participate in research projects appropriate to the work of the Unit.

Data analysis

• In conjunction with others, develop and maintain RVPBRU-specific databases e.g. to analyse and record bacterial genetic typing data or to monitor trends in lab data.

• Analyse and interpret complex scientific data, particularly in relation to bacterial surveillance project to produce:

• regular scientific reports

• presentations at national or international meetings

• publications in peer reviewed journals

• other ad-hoc analyses

MOLIS and lab data management

• Develop and maintain RVPBRU-specific tests in the MOLIS laboratory management system (as a MOLIS superuser).

• Assist with other software solutions for uploading or extracting results from MOLIS. This may involve working with software experts in other parts of UKHSA or outside of UKHSA.

National and international outbreaks

• Liaising with medical and scientific staff in the UKHSA, NHS, and other bodies, provide information to support the investigation of outbreaks.

Confidentiality

• Be aware of, and put into practice, relevant policies and procedures to maintain confidentiality of patient information. To maintain data confidentiality and security in compliance with UKHSA policies, the Data Protection Act, and other statutory requirements.

Other surveillance activities

• Provide support for other surveillance activities as required within the Unit.

Clinical/Professional

• Ensure all RVPBRU information systems adhere to UKHSA Security of Information policy and all Caldicott regulations.

• Contribute to the training of colleagues, as required.

• Pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Quality

In collaboration with the Unit Technical Manager and the Quality Management System Team, to:

• To help to maintain laboratory accreditation (e.g., ISO 15189, via UKAS or its successors) and other agreed national and international standards.

• Maintain a high standard of work, and appraise and contribute to developing services so that they are safe, effective and economical and follows best practice.

• Interpret, design, develop, establish and disseminate standards and policies in information/data management to international regulatory standards.

• Work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system.

• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.

• Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and other accreditation and certification standards. Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.

Other

• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

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

Person specification

Essential role criteria

• Primary degree in a science or health related topic (e.g. biomedical or healthcare science /epidemiology).
• Experience of data management
• Experience of data and statistical analysis (e.g. using Excel, STATA, R)
• Using database software packages (e.g. Access, SQL)
• Coding Experience (e.g. SQL, R, Python)
• Good organisational skills, communicate complex ideas and methods clearly and succinctly
• Ability to write clearly and fluently

Desirable role criteria:

• Bioinformatics experience (e.g. using commercial software or unix command line software)
• Experience with MOLIS or similar laboratory management system

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).

• 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 actio