About the job

Job summary

Senior Medical Entomologist

SEO National - £38,724 - £44,393

Based at UKHSA Porton Down

Permanent Contract

Senior Medical Entomologist - Vector-Borne Diseases

Are you passionate about protecting public health from vector-borne diseases? Do you have expertise in entomology, especially on ticks and mosquitoes? Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and collaborative team?

If yes, then you might be the ideal candidate for the Senior Medical Entomologist position at the Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology (MEZE) group of UKHSA.

About the MEZE group

The MEZE group is a leading authority on vector-borne diseases in the UK and beyond. We assess, prepare, and respond to current and emerging threats posed by vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes. We conduct research and surveillance activities to provide entomological expertise and advice to UKHSA, the Department of Health, and other relevant agencies and departments. We also work internationally on vector-borne disease projects funded by the European Union and support the surveillance systems in the UK Overseas Territories.

About the role

As a Senior Medical Entomologist, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for the delivery of the scientific and technical activities of the MEZE group. You will provide medical entomology and vector-borne disease expertise, with a focus on tick-borne diseases. You will also develop, design, and deliver specific projects and resources, such as UKHSA’s National vector surveillance programmes of ticks and mosquitoes. You will contribute to the development and delivery of the wider team’s business plan and work programme.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Highly developed communication skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and prioritise tasks independently
• Ability to liaise effectively and develop excellent working relationships with a wide range of senior and high-profile individuals, partners, and organisations
• A full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel overseas and obtain security clearance if required

 

Location

Based at UKHSA Porton Down – Hybrid working available

 

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.* 

 

Working Pattern – Full Time, Flexible Working, Hybrid Working,

Job description

Scientific research and surveillance

• Support programme managers to deliver a programme of work as set out in the teams/divisions business plan.
• Investigate worldwide entomological and infectious disease literature and other sources on emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases, to identify vector-borne disease risks that might be relevant to UK public health.
• Further develop vector research and surveillance activities for human vector-borne diseases, leading on specific projects and utilising a range of research methods (desk/lab/field-based), statistical analyses and entomological research techniques to identify risks that might be relevant to UK public health as specified in the business plan.
• Critically analyse and interpret data and information on complex, sensitive or contentious issues from internally and externally funded contract work, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for the way forward, including the production of reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and funding applications where appropriate.
• Take responsibility for the supervision, training and mentoring of staff allocated to the projects you lead. Deputise for the Principal Medical Entomologist as required and represent Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology at key cross-government (or equivalent) meetings when necessary.
• Lead projects and mentor staff on vector-borne disease related surveillance and research in the UK and overseas, ensuring timely delivery of reports to funders and stakeholders.

Publication and communication

• Liaise with colleagues in UKHSA and other Government Departments to ensure robust reporting lines for emerging VBD events and establish and maintain links/collaborations with other national and international experts to obtain relevant technical information, discuss ideas, describe work developments and progress.
• Act as a point of contact to provide advice on vector-borne disease issues, providing assistance to UKHSA staff, programme managers and other stakeholders.
• Assist in developing responses to internal correspondence and parliamentary questions. Supporting or leading the delivery of reports / risk assessments to Government.

Health Protection

• Assist in producing advice and guidance materials on vector-borne disease risks for dissemination to local authorities or other government agencies responsible for health and wellbeing in their area.
• Assist in providing written and verbal advice on the protection of the public from vector-borne disease issues where appropriate, including providing training and support to UKHSA centres, and local authorities on tick and mosquito related issues.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

See job description attached for full list of duties and competencies

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1500 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):

 

Essential

• PhD in medical entomology or MSc and postgraduate experience or degree and substantial relevant experience
• Significant experience in medical entomology including identification of arthropods, field and laboratory-based techniques, public health communication, risk assessment and statistical analyses
• Experience of contributing to large scale vector surveillance programmes
• Experience of developing and co-ordinating complex field-based research projects in potentially challenging environments with potentially changing priorities/tight deadlines
• Demonstration of an active research profile through peer review publication record and knowledge of the key public health issues surrounding vector-borne diseases
• Experience of drafting briefing papers, presentations and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders for project meetings and/or training purposes
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience of staff recruitment, selection and supervision
• Experience of contributing to successful research proposals

 

Please ensure that you do not include any personal identifiers such as name, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation or location. The UKHSA operates a fair and open recruitment policy.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,724, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,455 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

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the full list of essential criteria as detailed in the attached job description – please do provide evidence of how you meet this. 

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve an interview by video. 

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. 

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.  

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate.  The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Seeing the big picture
• Making effective decisions
• Leading and communicating
• Collaborating and partnering
• Managing a quality service
• Delivering at pace

 

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 16th February 2024 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: 23rd February 2024

Interviews: w/c 4th March 2024

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

 

Eligibility Criteria

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

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

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.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.  Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.  People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. 

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website. 

 

 

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.