Senior Epidemiologist

Job summary

THIS POST IS FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT FOR 13 MONTHS DUE TO SECONDMENT COVER.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE SECONDMENT POSITION, YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM YOUR CURRENT LINE MANAGER PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR THIS POST.

Health Protection Division provides information and advice and takes action to protect people in Wales from communicable disease and environmental hazards. The Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme (VPDP) provides specialist surveillance, epidemiology, clinical advice, system leadership and support across the breadth of vaccination programmes and vaccine preventable disease in Wales.

Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) is the epidemiology and surveillance branch of Health Protection Division.

This is a senior role in the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme that will develop and manage aspects of surveillance and epidemiological analysis on vaccine preventable diseases, vaccination programmes and acute respiratory infections.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will develop methods and processes to maintain existing surveillance systems. The post holder will also help set up new surveillance systems, such as those using new sources of data. The post holder will work with senior epidemiologists to implement emerging methods in data science such as data linkage and machine learning. The post holder will also work closely with microbiologists to develop new surveillance methods, and will also have a role in supporting field epidemiology activities

The post-holder will use highly developed skills in data science, health informatics and project management to define, interpret and provide solutions to complex public health problems. This will involve framing problems in epidemiological terms, analysing complex data sets, ensuring outputs from projects are delivered to time and reporting findings to stakeholders, including the public, health professionals within Public Health Wales, the NHS, Health Boards and Welsh Government.

The post holder will have a role in developing and delivering training on a variety of topics. To do this the post-holder will be required to liaise with individuals from varied backgrounds in a range of organisations.

The post holder may be required to line manage and/or co-ordinate work of junior team members. They will be required to train staff, supervise or mentor junior staff and demonstrate specific tasks or work as required to others.

About us

We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit

For guidance on the application process, please visit

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in a scientific, computing or health related subject Masters qualification or equivalent experience acquired in public health areas such as: epidemiological methods, public health, microbiology, statistics, data science

Desirable

A qualification or demonstrable training/experience in public health, health protection or epidemiology

Experience

Essential

Substantial post-graduate experience of relevant scientific work Experience of working with large and complex databases Understanding of current scientific and/or epidemiological advances Experience of training other staff groups Substantial experience of working with SAIL

Desirable

Experience of surveillance and epidemiology Demonstrable experience of working within a public health setting

Skills

Essential

Advanced data science and statistical methods Effective oral and written communication skills Ability to document and communicate clearly and succinctly Advanced skills in statistical and database software (Stata, MS Access, R) to manage and analyse complex data Excellent computer literacy, including advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications Ability to project manage, coordinate teams and problem solve Professional judgments on methods and interpretation

Desirable

Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn Regression and time series analysis Mapping Ability to manage data and analyse microbiological test data

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge of epidemiological principles and their application to communicable disease surveillance and control An understanding of healthcare systems in Wales Awareness of policies and procedures relating to dealing with confidential data Knowledge of recommended UK vaccination programmes and vaccine preventable diseases

Desirable

Knowledge of Public Health Wales Knowledge and experience of the architecture and practice of large-scale data management A knowledge of automating routine analysis through Tableau, programming, R markdown, or STATA )

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure Flexible approach and commitment to apply skills in support of clinical/scientific priorities Proven track record as a team player Enthusiastic approach with excellent planning and organisational skills Negotiation and diplomacy skills to work with a wide range of staff Ability to work on own initiative Good time-keeping Respect confidentiality Willingness to learn and develop skills

Desirable

Ability to work in challenging or different circumstances Ability to speak Wels

Other (Please Specify)

Essential

Ability to foster and maintain good working relationships with administrative staff, scientific staff and health professionals at all levels Commitment to CPD within Public Health competency frameworks Prepared to travel

Desirable

Evidence of continuing professional Development