Principal Scientist in Immunisation Research

Position Overview

At UK Health Security Agency, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone is encouraged to apply, particularly individuals from underrepresented groups in our workforce.

Our mission is to cultivate an environment that values differences, driving innovative solutions to address the needs of our staff and the broader community. We achieve this by 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 position is crucial for understanding epidemiological trends, assessing public health implications, and refining control strategies. Additionally, the role will involve evaluating pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent will collaborate with scientific, clinical, and administrative teams within the Immunisation Division to spearhead surveillance analysis and related initiatives, primarily centered on monitoring pertussis vaccination programs and supporting established surveillance efforts. Responsibilities include:

• Managing and analyzing surveillance data from diverse sources, coordinating follow-ups for epidemiological information and confirmation samples as necessary.
• Collaborating with team members to address ad hoc inquiries requiring scientific expertise.
• Liaising with healthcare professionals to gather enhanced surveillance data and coordinating with NHS and reference laboratories to ensure data completeness.
• Preparing routine surveillance reports for the Health Protection report.
• Assisting in outbreak investigations and control measures.
• Leading specific evaluations of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Analyzing surveillance data and study results, and authoring reports and articles for scientific journals.
• Contributing to the preparation of documents to inform policy for the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
• Designing presentations and disseminating surveillance data and study findings at various meetings and conferences.
• Representing the Immunisation Department in weekly infection update meetings and maintaining relevant content on the UKHSA website.
• Supporting public health incident responses led by the Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Disease division, with all members at EO grade and above required to undertake training for the 'task manager' role as needed.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

• First degree in a scientific discipline - Lead criterion.
• Higher degree in Epidemiology or a related field, or relevant postgraduate experience - Lead criterion.
• Proficiency in developing and utilizing relational databases (including Access), spreadsheets, and statistical software (Stata or R) at an advanced level.
• Experience in writing and evaluating scientific research.
• Ability to interpret and assess microbiological or epidemiological data related to vaccine-preventable diseases, demonstrating strong analytical skills.
• Capacity to work independently and manage personal technical responsibilities 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 contributes significantly towards your membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We offer:

• Tailored learning and development opportunities.
• A flexible working environment.
• A culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.
• An average employer contribution of 27% towards your pension.