Bioinformatician (mSCAPE development)

London- Canary Wharf (Core HQ)Job SummaryWe 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.  This post is an exciting bioinformatician role in the mSCAPE (TARZET) division, enabling the team to deliver cutting edge analysis in support of public health decision making, with a particular focus on outbreak response, horizon scanning, emerging infections and developmental genomics work. Work within the mSCAPE team is fast paced, responding quickly to changing public health needs.Functions of the team include horizon scanning, cluster analysis, used together with epidemiological investigation, to inform the understanding of how viruses are being transmitted throughout the population; development of new analysis methods for emerging pathogens, reactive analyses for major national outbreaks, and collaborative working with epidemiology, modelling and academic partners.Job DescriptionSpecific duties of the role may vary depending on the site and teams/functions.Be responsible for day-to-day running and maintenance of the software and computer systems delivering existing genomic analysis pipelines.Contribute to expanding deployment of existing analysis pipelines to additional computational platforms as required.Support the identification and sharing of best bioinformatics practice.Accept responsibility for refactoring existing WGS software components.Develop tested, validated and versioned software components for genomic analyses, incorporate into and validate new genomic pipeline versions.Satisfy support requests for genomic analysis from clinical teams.Analyse data from projects to which you are assigned, accepting responsibility for generating reports within agreed timelines.Lead preparation of reports, posters and publications arising from the data, and present findings. Represent mSCAPE at internal, National and International meetings.Work consistently with the unit quality management systems, ISO and other accreditation standards. as required; participate in quality audits to support the unit’s services.Comply with safety and quality protocols and procedures at all times.Detailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesIdentify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training. Undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to meet the behaviours and competencies required to undertake the role.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 require a high level of communication skills, disseminating complex technical information, and an ability to communicate complex programmatic and IT issues to non-specialist groups in ‘layman’ terms.This will include;InternalSubstantial interactions with members of the mSCAPE bioinformatics team and other units within the TARZET divisionRegular interactions with Laboratory scientists, embedded bioinformaticians and epidemiologists, including during incident working.Substantial interactions within DAS and with central IT (ICT) colleagues, including during incident working.ExternalInteraction with external scientific computing experts to deliver appropriate technologies through external cloud-based resource and utilising UKHSA computing infrastructure.Interactions with collaborating centres, including research and academic institutes, to deliver software process for analysing WGS data.Specific duties of the role may vary depending on the site and teams/functions.Be responsible for day-to-day running and maintenance of the software and computer systems delivering existing genomic analysis pipelines.Contribute to expanding deployment of existing analysis pipelines to additional computational platforms as required.Support the identification and sharing of best bioinformatics practice.Accept responsibility for refactoring existing WGS software components.Develop tested, validated and versioned software components for genomic analyses, incorporate into and validate new genomic pipeline versions.Satisfy support requests for genomic analysis from clinical teams.Analyse data from projects to which you are assigned, accepting responsibility for generating reports within agreed timelines.Lead preparation of reports, posters and publications arising from the data, and present findings. Represent mSCAPE at internal, National and International meetings.Work consistently with the unit quality management systems, ISO and other accreditation standards. as required; participate in quality audits to support the unit’s services.Comply with safety and quality protocols and procedures at all times.Detailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesIdentify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training. Undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to meet the behaviours and competencies required to undertake the role.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 require a high level of communication skills, disseminating complex technical information, and an ability to communicate complex programmatic and IT issues to non-specialist groups in ‘layman’ terms.This will include;InternalSubstantial interactions with members of the mSCAPE bioinformatics team and other units within the TARZET divisionRegular interactions with Laboratory scientists, embedded bioinformaticians and epidemiologists, including during incident working.Substantial interactions within DAS and with central IT (ICT) colleagues, including during incident working.ExternalInteraction with external scientific computing experts to deliver appropriate technologies through external cloud-based resource and utilising UKHSA computing infrastructure.Interactions with collaborating centres, including research and academic institutes, to deliver software process for analysing WGS data.Person specificationEssential Criteria Degree in Bioinformatics or related life science.Postgraduate training in Bioinformatics, or equivalent.Familiar with Linux/Unix; proficient in the CLI.Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic analytical approaches.Experience applying diverse bioinformatics tools, preferably to the analysis of microbial DNA.Experience of developing, modifying, debugging code used for data analysis, preferably pythonHighly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working.Interested in the advancements of medical microbiology and genomics.Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.Must be able to use initiative to identify and implement tested solutions with a view to process and service improvement.Must have the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.Ability to analyse complex facts and situations, develop a range of options and make recommendations.Desirable CriteriaKnowledge of metagenomics.Experience of VCS systems (e.g. git) for software versioning and documentation.Knowledge of software containerization (e.g. Docker, Singularity).Knowledge of PostgreSQL or similar RDBMSAlongside your salary of £46,310, UK Health Security Agency contributes £13,416 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.Stage 1: Application & Sift Success Profiles - GOV.UKYou Will Be Required To Complete An Application Form. You Will Be Assessed On The Listed 12 Essential Criteria, And This Will Be In The Form Of A:Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)750 word supporting statement. This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria If longlisting is used, the piles meets all and meets some essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will complete an initial sift on the lead criteria of:Degree in Bioinformatics or related life science.Postgraduate training in Bioinformatics, or equivalent. Experience applying diverse bioinformatics tools, preferably to the analysis of microbial DNA. Experience of developing, modifying, debugging code used for data analysis, preferably pythonDesirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessmentPlease do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.Feedback will not be provided at this stage.Stage 2: InterviewSuccess profilesYou will be invited to a single remote interview.Behaviours, technical skills, experience and ability will be tested at interview.There will be a Technical Test and a Presentation.If invited to interview you will be asked to prepare a 10 minute presentation- details will be shared with those candidates invited to interview.The Behaviours Tested During The Interview Stage Will Be:Changing and improvingCommunicating and influencingDelivering at paceInterview dates to be confirmed.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Selection Process Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.Eligibility Criteria External- Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).For Temporary AppointmentsIf you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.LocationThis role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Core HQ in London (Canary Wharf). We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using 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 UKHSA Core HQ in London (Canary Wharf).Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).Security Clearance Level RequirementSuccessful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.Salary InformationIf you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UKThe new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.Reasonable AdjustmentsThe Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service CareersInternational Police checkIf you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.Artificial Intelligence (AI)Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Link Below:Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service CareersInternal Fraud check If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.Careers websitePlease visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service CareersFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecurityPeople working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe 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.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.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob Contact :Name : Lisa TweedieEmail : lisa.tweedie@ukhsa.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.ukFurther informationThe 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: Complaints@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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.ukhttp://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7564429