Scientist

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. 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). When based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.Job SummaryThis Blood Safety post is part of the joint NHS Blood and Transplant/ UKHSA Epidemiology Unit that informs the safety of blood, tissues and organs in the UK. The post-holder will work on the blood donation testing and blood donor surveillance scheme which has collected and reported on data in collaboration with the UK Blood Services and UKHSA since 1995. This scheme provides operational data on donation testing, data to inform the residual risk of infection from transfusion, monitors the trends in rate of markers of infection tested for by the UK blood services which include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections and collects epidemiological data on donors towards informing blood safety and policy on donor selection and testing.The post-holder must have excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a team at both UKHSA and NHS Blood and Transplant (Colindale).Job DescriptionThe post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the scheme, collecting, processing and validating the data.The post-holder will develop and implement standardised data collection and analysis protocols, will identify data quality issues and facilitate their resolution.You will ensure that data are collected and processed in accordance with relevant policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and undertake regular assessments of data quality and completeness.The post-holder will undertake regular reporting of the data to deadlines including the monthly donation testing report and unit’s Annual Review.Under the supervision of senior scientific staff, the post holder will regularly extract, collate and validate surveillance data-sets and carry out epidemiological analyses to monitor trends, geographic distribution and risk factors. You will contribute to the delivery of surveillance and policy reports and to peer-reviewed publications.The post-holder will also have experience of using computers and database software packages, as well as of data management, analysis and reporting.The post will involve presentations and the provision of training. *Please note that this list is not exhaustive*The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the scheme, collecting, processing and validating the data.The post-holder will develop and implement standardised data collection and analysis protocols, will identify data quality issues and facilitate their resolution.You will ensure that data are collected and processed in accordance with relevant policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and undertake regular assessments of data quality and completeness.The post-holder will undertake regular reporting of the data to deadlines including the monthly donation testing report and unit’s Annual Review.Under the supervision of senior scientific staff, the post holder will regularly extract, collate and validate surveillance data-sets and carry out epidemiological analyses to monitor trends, geographic distribution and risk factors. You will contribute to the delivery of surveillance and policy reports and to peer-reviewed publications.The post-holder will also have experience of using computers and database software packages, as well as of data management, analysis and reporting.The post will involve presentations and the provision of training. *Please note that this list is not exhaustive*Person specificationSurveillance and EpidemiologyIn This Role You Willbe responsible for collecting and processing and validating the data. This includes: liaising with data providers to help overcome any problems in reporting, referring to other scientific colleagues as necessary; following-up incomplete, inaccurate or missing surveillance data; ensuring data security is compliant with the required standard; assisting scientific colleagues in processes to reconcile the information collected; Liaising with UKHSA and blood service confirmatory laboratories in order to reconcile records and ensure completeness of data.liaise with and seek feedback from stakeholders to ensure the scheme reporting reflects current blood service needs to underpin blood safety.update existing databases where required; plan and establish new electronic surveillance schemes where need arises; write or update queries and develop reports.ensure that all processes relating to database management are appropriately documented and up to date within the NHSBT/UKHSA Epidemiology unit, writing new procedures and informing colleagues as need arises.undertake regular reporting of the data to deadlines including the monthly blood donation testing report, the quarterly clinical group report, the unit annual Review and ad hoc specialist and complex analyses of quantitative and/or qualitative datasets which will require selection of the best option from a range of possible solutions.analyse and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data and research evidence from a range of sources to inform decision making.receive, interpret, provide and advise on complex epidemiological and statistical information about the epidemiology of donors to the UK blood services, Department of Health and Social Care and others.Specialist Advice and Evaluationcommunicate effectively and diplomatically data, research and other specialist information with colleagues from own or other disciplines making judgements about the suitability of these data and providing an alternative where appropriate (e.g. in response to parliamentary questions). and present findings at local, national and international meetings and conferences.write and/or contribute to the Unit’s Annual Review, as well as peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, on the epidemiology of and infections in donors.Research and Developmentundertake literature reviews, evaluative research surveys, audits and other research as required.Teaching and Trainingassist in teaching and training courses run at Colindale and outside, by producing presentation materials and assist in NHSBT/UKHSA Epidemiology Unit lectures and provide advice and support on reporting data to the surveillance schemes.Otherprovide general scientific administrative support for the team when required, including monitoring of the Unit email box and coordination of the Unit Annual Review.Professional developmentidentify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.Key working relationshipsdevelop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:InternalScientists and the Consultant in Epidemiology and Health Protection within the NHSBT/UKHSA Epidemiology Unit and with colleagues across the wider BSHSH and the CPH Group.ExternalData providers throughout the UK blood services and Republic of Ireland blood services (testing managers, clinical teams, reference laboratories, hospitals etc) to ensure data quality and timely reporting, and internal and external data users. External stakeholders include the Department of Health and Social Care, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), the Welsh Blood Service (WBS, Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS), the Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) and academic staff.Essential CriteriaPrimary Degree in a suitable science subject such as biosciences or equivalent level qualification such as a foundation degree, or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialist area: epidemiology, public health, or statisticsScientific work experience relevant to the postExperience in use of computers and database software packages for data management, handling, analysis and reporting eg MS AccessExperience of interpreting and evaluating dataExperience of preparing scientific reports and presentations including high quality graphs and tables and written work.Experience of using software packages for statistical analysis of data e.g. STATA, RAble to work as a team member or independently and liaise with a wide range of external stakeholdersAble to maintain data protection and confidentialityAble to communicate and document methods clearly and succinctlyHave a clear and organised approach to work to meet deadlinesAbility to identify and solve day to day issues/problemsAn understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.Desirable CriteriaExperience designing databasesExperience of epidemiology, infectious disease surveillanceWorking within the NHS, Public Health or Environmental HealthKnowledge of hepatitis and/or other blood-borne virusesAlongside your salary of £37,749, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,935 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.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 detailsSelection ProcessStage 1: Application & Sift This vacancy is using CompetencyYou Will Be Required To Complete AnApplication form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)500 word supporting statementHealthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 500This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)If we receive a large number of applications, an initial sift against the lead criteria will be conducted.Experience in use of computers and database software packages for data management, handling, analysis and reporting eg MS AccessAble to communicate and document methods clearly and succinctlyLonglisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria We will only take through those applicants who meet ALL the essential criteria.Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of applicationsPlease note feedback will not be provided at this stage.Stage 2: Interview stage (competency based):You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.Interviews will be held week commencing 5th January 2026, please note these dates are subject to change.Job DescriptionThis vacancy is being assessed using the essential criteria in the job description. During the interview we will assess against the below:KnowledgeExperienceSkills and AbilitiesPlease note: You will be asked to take a test to assess your data management experience and written work.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Eligibility CriteriaExternal: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).  Security Clearance Level Requirement The level of security needed isBasic Personnel Security StandardSuccessful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.Successful candidates also require a (CTC) Counter Terrorism Check 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.UK.The 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: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/International 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 BelowArtificial 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 https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careersFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).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 GroupsUK 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 ContactName : John InglisEmail : john.inglis@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.ukIf 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.uk