Lead Epidemiologist

Position Overview

At UK Health Security Agency, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly from groups that are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

Our organization is dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive culture that leverages differences to drive innovative solutions, addressing the needs of our workforce and the communities we serve. We achieve this by celebrating diversity, removing barriers, and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases, with a specific focus on pertussis. This role is essential for understanding epidemiological trends, assessing public health impacts, and developing improved control strategies. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to the evaluation of pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the analysis of surveillance data from various sources, ensuring thorough follow-up for additional epidemiological information and confirmation samples as necessary.
• Collaborate closely with team members to address ad hoc inquiries requiring scientific expertise.
• Engage with clinicians to gather enhanced surveillance data and coordinate with NHS and reference laboratories for laboratory data.
• Prepare routine surveillance reports for the Health Protection report.
• Assist in the investigation and management of outbreaks.
• Oversee and manage specific evaluations of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Analyze surveillance data and study results, preparing reports and papers for scientific journals.
• Support the preparation of documents to inform policy for the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
• Design and deliver presentations of surveillance data and study findings at various meetings and conferences.
• Represent the Immunisation Department in weekly infection update meetings and maintain relevant content on the UKHSA website.
• Support public health incident responses led by the Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Disease division, with all EO grade members required to complete appropriate training for the task manager role.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

• First degree in a relevant science discipline.
• Higher degree in Epidemiology or a related field, or equivalent postgraduate experience.
• Proficiency in developing and utilizing relational databases (including Access), spreadsheets, and advanced statistical and graphics software (Stata or R).
• Experience in writing and evaluating scientific work.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and evaluate microbiological or epidemiological data related to vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Ability to work independently and manage one's own technical work and time effectively.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiarity with vaccine schedules and policies in the UK.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, UK Health Security Agency offers a comprehensive benefits package, including contributions towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme, tailored learning and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.