Principal Scientist

Job summary

We are looking for two principal epidemiologists to take leading roles in maintaining and developing surveillance systems for vaccine preventable diseases and have oversight of the transition of surveillance data within the division to a new SQL and R-based environment.� They will oversee the epidemiological evaluation of vaccine preventable diseases using national datasets, including laboratory data, and lead on the annual reporting of vaccine preventable disease epidemiology to WHO and project manage specific research studies of vaccine preventable diseases. In addition, the post holder will contribute to the investigation and control of outbreaks including development of new analyses and the support of other scientists and colleagues working directly in these areas.

Job description

Key responsibilities include:

Develop processes for streamlining analysis of surveillance data, production of outputs. Lead on transfer of existing vaccine preventable disease surveillance systems into SQL and R-based environmentsLead continued provision of data from different central datasets used alongside laboratory testing data for surveillance of vaccine programmesLead development of existing surveillance systems, manage scientific staff responsible for data collection to improve and enhance quality of data collected and disseminatedLead collaborative surveillance within UKHSA between the Immunisation Department and UKHSA specialist and reference laboratories, providing epidemiological expertise to regular meetings with virology staff from UKHSA Specialist Microbiology and Laboratories DirectorateSupervise routine surveillance and related reporting for Health Protection Report, WHO reports and other internal/external communicationsProvide specialist advice on epidemiology and interpretation of available statistics on vaccine preventable/respiratory virus diseases in response to requests for information from NHS, DHSC, WHO and other organisationsParticipate in investigation of incidents and outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases in England as requested by lead consultant or deputy director of the DivisionWrite and publish results of research and surveillance studies in peer-review journals, present these papers at national & international meetings/conferences

Vaccines have been identified as a key strategic priority for UKHSA. The Immunisation and Vaccine-preventable Diseases Division (in the Public Health Programmes Directorate of the Clinical and Public Health Group) is responsible for the national surveillance of most vaccine preventable infections and in providing technical support and clinical expertise to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and to the NHS in planning and delivering the national immunisation programmes. These programmes provide millions of vaccines per year, across the whole life course, and are delivered in a range of NHS settings. The division also provides secretariat to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation who recommend any changes to the national immunisation programme and publish �Immunisation Against Infectious Disease� � the single authoritative source of immunisation advice for health professionals.

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The division evaluates the national programme by generating high quality data on disease incidence, vaccine coverage, age-specific immunity, vaccine efficacy and safety and analysis of vaccine policy options (with the statistics and modelling divisions). Surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases and vaccine coverage data are vital components of the evaluation of vaccination programmes in the UK. These data inform the understanding of the epidemiology of different infections and the public health impact of vaccination programmes and help develop and improve control strategies.

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The Immunisation and Vaccine-preventable Disease Division is looking for an experienced and highly-capable public health / epidemiology scientist with advanced data skills and well-developed skills in epidemiological assessment to join a team working on the surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases. They are expected to achieve the specific duties with a high degree of autonomy and through working with staff from a wide range of disciplines in the NHS, UKHSA, and other organisations.� They will provide leadership in the production development and enhancement of surveillance systems and production of surveillance reports. The post holder will represent the Immunisation & Vaccine Prevention Diseases Division, UKHSA as appropriate, in local, national and international initiatives and meetings. S/he will deputise for the Divisional consultant/ Grade 6 scientific staff when appropriate.

Person specification

Essential criteria

First degree in a science subject or equivalent experience in the subject matterHigher degree in epidemiology or an allied subject (MSc or PhD)Extensive experience in infectious disease epidemiology and surveillance.Ability to analyse, summarise and interpret complex epidemiological and situational awareness data. Extensive experience of collating, understanding and reporting situational analysis outputs.Effective communication of epidemiological assessments to colleagues and external agencies, including high level stakeholders.High level abilities in statistical and graphics packages/environments, and use of databases and spreadsheets ( R and SQL)Presenting scientific papers at national and international meetings and conferences.

Desirable criteria

PhD in epidemiology or an allied subjectExperience of supporting the delivering of change and transformation initiatives from end to end, into a live operation

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �55,799, UK Health Security Agency contributes �15,066 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA with an average employer contribution of 27%

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