Job title Bioinformatician (New Pipelines)

Profession-  Data Analytics

Directorate Data Operations

Full Time equivalent - 37.5 hours

No of Roles 1

Contract Type Fixed Term Contract or Loan Until 31/03/2026

Location Colindale, London, NW9 5EQ

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 Colindale. Specialist or regional roles will be based at the appropriate UKHSA site. For certain roles, some additional flexibility may be possible, which will be agreed upon with the hiring manager based on individual requirements and business needs.

Working Pattern Full Time / Flexible Working / Hybrid Working

Grade & Salary Grade 7. Inner London - £55,799- £65,089 per annum.

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

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/.

Closing Date 14/07/2024. 23:55pm. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered

Interview Date  TBC

We are looking for a Bioinformatician to work within the Bioinformatics  Unit, which is part of the Surveillance Systems & Bioinformatics Division within UKHSA. We are recruiting a number of positions that have been funded to stabilise and develop the bioinformatics components of the pathogen genomics programme within UKHSA. .

UKHSA currently performs genomic sequencing of around 20 human pathogens, this data is used to inform clinical and public health pathways for managing the spread of human pathogens within the UK. This role within the Bioinformatics Unit will lead a small team of bioinformaticians supporting the development of new pathogen pipelines and new analysis components which will be integrated into the overarching bioinformatics processes for delivering a genomics service within UKHSA.

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.

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.

Job Overview

To take a lead role in developing and implementing the bioinformatics and public health informatics strategy for NIS Core 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. To have the ability to translate strategic and operational vision into reality through providing technical solutions and to manage junior bioinformatics staff.
• To 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.
• To provide technical expertise and expert advice and guidance, in bioinformatics and Information systems/services related to the requirements for specific Departments
• To provide expert and specialist advice to UKHSA and external staff on scientific and technical solutions for bioinformatics related to projects.
• To coordinate support activities across the bioinformatics services including the online helpdesk, training and the NGS Service.
• To be responsible for the development and maintenance of the WGS Service analysis pipelines. To develop a strategy for updating methods of pipeline delivery, with reference to ensuring business continuity.
• To 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.
• To contribute to the long-term strategic planning of the above functions, in line with the strategic direction, working practices and policies of the NIS Core Bioinformatics Unit.
• To provide line management for a team of bioinformaticians.

Main Duties of the Job

• To be responsible for the bioinformatics components of the WGS Service. Tasks in this area include the development and maintenance of the analysis pipelines, and their supporting infrastructure, ensuring the timely delivery service outputs to customers and troubleshooting issues that disrupt business continuity.
• To 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.
• To ensure that high quality and responsive support activities are provided by the bioinformatics team. This will include the preparations of regular KPI reports and other materials necessary to evidence the standard of support services.
• To 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, ICT and the UKHSA).
• To 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.
• To take part in UKHSA bioinformatics training and support programmes.
• To 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.

OTHER

• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.
• It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Communication and 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 PHE ICT 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.

Essential Criteria

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.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : sophie rigney
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]