About the job

Job summary

The Bioinformatics Unit at the UK Health Security Agency provides computational pipelines for the processing of pathogen whole genome sequencing data, translating raw data into actionable results. Our results directly inform clinical and Public Health intervention. The successful applicant will lead a small team developing and maintaining state-of-the-art Bioinformatics workflows for a number of high impact pathogens, like SARS-CoV2, Influenza, MRSA and M. tuberculosis.

UKHSA will build on the legacy of the COVID-19 response to ensure resilient and scalable infrastructure to secure the UK in the strongest position to protect the public from future threats to health.

UKHSA mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. To achieve our objectives effectively and fairly, we commit to representing modern Britain and all its diversity. UKHSA recognises that diversity of background and life experience brings different insights, creates challenge and encourages change and innovation. This in turn produces more accountable and trusted public services and better decisions; better because they are more attuned to the needs and interests of all our communities. Differences of thought and outlook are not only respected but expected. We want all our employees to feel that they can be themselves at work and that they are valued.

We are looking for an experienced Bioinformatician to take charge of diverse team of Bioinformaticians and Software Developers to expand our pathogen whole genome sequencing data processing capabilities and transform the usage of WGS data within UKHSA.

Job description

Main duties of the job

Data Operations

The UKHSA Data Operations Directorate provides strategic leadership and oversight for developing and managing a common and bespoke suite of performant, modern, secure, data and analytical tools, services, platforms and applications, ensuring access to high quality data and analytics services, internally and externally.

Surveillance Systems and Bioinformatics 

Based within the Data Operations Directorate, the Surveillance Systems and Bioinformatics Division works across the organisation and with external partners to lead the design, development, maintenance and delivery of surveillance systems, with a focus on accessibility, interoperability and improving health security outcomes. The Division is also responsible for the provision of an informatics capability to support laboratory services and has oversight of the UKHSA bioinformatics function to support whole genome sequencing. 

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.  

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To take a lead role in developing and implementing the bioinformatics and public health informatics strategy for Bioinformatics and to:

• lead, develop and support strategies for bioinformatics and informatics approaches, following guidance from senior management, to provide programmatic bioinformatics expertise, to improve capability, to improve information dissemination to internal and external stakeholders.
• have the ability to translate strategic and operational vision into reality through providing technical solutions. 
  provide line management of bioinformatics staff as required.
• be responsible for the planning and organisation of scientific computer systems through requirements analysis, functional specification, implementation, deployment and testing. This is achieved through interaction with the appropriate UKHSA and external staff.
• provide technical expertise and expert advice and guidance, in bioinformatics and Information systems/services related to the requirements for specific Departments
• provide expert and specialist advice to UKHSA and external staff on scientific and technical solutions for bioinformatics related to projects.
• be responsible for the development and maintenance of the NGS Service analysis pipelines. To develop a strategy for updating methods of pipeline delivery, with particular reference to ensuring business continuity.
• be responsible for the development, implementation and management of analytical tools for the Department. Tasks will include the development of database and related tools for data retrieval, manipulation, analysis and visualisation.
• contribute to the long-term strategic planning of the above functions, in line with the strategic direction, working practices and policies of the Bioinformatics Unit.
• co-ordinate and provide project management of bioinformatics activities within defined UKHSA functions. 

Detailed job description:

This includes to:

• be responsible for the bioinformatics components of the NGS Service. Tasks in this area include the development and maintenance of the organism specific analysis pipelines, and their supporting infrastructure, and troubleshooting issues that disrupt business continuity.
• be responsible for the development of WGS pipelines for new organisms, including functional specification and requirements gathering.
• be responsible for the co-ordination, development and support of specific analysis tools and systems, and to be responsible for the planning and organisation of other online resources and computer systems, as appropriate, through requirements analysis, functional specification, implementation, deployment and testing. This is achieved through interaction with the appropriate UKHSA and external staff. 
• be responsible for the continuous deployment, testing, and integration of all software components use in WGS processing pipelines.
• be responsible for the project management of a portfolio of projects and to maintain technical documentation. To be responsible for the secure storage, password management and retrieval of sensitive data related to these projects (in line with the policies of the Core Bioinformatics Unit, Technology and UKHSA). 
• be responsible for the line management of a small team of currently three members.
• support and progress UKAS accreditation by working with the Quality Team to ensure that appropriate quality standards are met, and where necessary defined, and that documentation and processes are effectively followed by all relevant staff. 
• Writing and distributing regular project update reports and to provide training and deliver presentations as required. 
• take part in UKHSA bioinformatics training and support programmes. 
• liaise with scientific and IT staff of external organisations involved in molecular surveillance of pathogens. Any other duties within the framework of the job grade. 

Key working relationships 

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include; 

Internal 

To interact directly and expertly with the staff of the Bioinformatics Unit and with NIS staff and with HPS staff as necessary.
Interactions with the Central Sequencing Unit and service customers will be particularly important. 
Liaison with UKHSA ITD and local Information Systems Committees and Working Groups will also be necessary. 

External 

External bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users, commercial companies and professional groups, as required.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• University degree and higher degree in Bioinformatics/computer Science or Life Sciences
• Significant professional experience developing and implementing bioinformatics solutions for microbiology
• Experience of managing/analysing large volumes of NGS data
• Evidence of management, supervisory and team building skills
• Ability to communicate complex and technical knowledge and ideas to non-specialist users
• Proven skills in database design, architecture, and implementation on a variety of platforms
• High level of proficiency with linux/unix operating systems
• Proven skills in programming languages e.g. Python, JAVA, C++ and versioning software (git)
• Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
• Able to analyse and evaluate scientific data based on evidence

Desirable Criteria:

• Second degree/higher degree qualification in Bioinformatics/ computer Science or Life Sciences
• Experience with Nextflow workflow system and software containerisation
• Training skills
• Knowledge of Public Health microbiology

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. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. 

Stage 1: Application & Sift 

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

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

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. 

The CV and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the essential criteria of - significant professional experience developing and implementing bioinformatics
solutions for microbiology

Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment 

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Success Profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, Strengths and Experience will be tested at interview

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Changing and Improving (lead behaviour)
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

There will be a 10 minute presentation- details to be confirmed.

Interviews will be held week commencing 3rd June. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

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

Location information  UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow.  This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) working at our Colindale Site.  Specialist or regional roles will be based at the appropriate UKHSA site. 

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

Disability Confident scheme 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. 

Reserve List clause Candidates who pass the interview criteria but are not offered a post will be kept on a reserve list for 12 months and may be contacted if similar roles become available.  If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available. 

Starting salary New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.  The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase.  Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.  

For further details please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment  

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. 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.