Job summary
PenGU Bioinformatics is the software development and analysis support arm of the Microbiology Division. It supports genomic diagnostics, bespoke software development, genomics surveillance of communicable disease and infections in Wales, and provides support for Health Protection Teams in outbreak investigation and control, provides health intelligence on communicable disease matters and carries out applied research. Bioinformatics activity covers 5 subject areas: 1. Antimicrobial resistance, 2. Viruses, sexual health, TB and Vaccine preventable disease and respiratory infection 3. Software development 4. Next Generation Sequencing and 5. Genomic epidemiology, research and training. The post-holder will be assigned to one or more subject groups, but will provide support to the others, as required.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will be a key member of scientific staff within the Bioinformatics team which is based within the Public Health Wales Microbiology Division. They will work closely with senior scientists, clinical scientists, bioinformaticians and other team members, to develop new bioinformatics systems, expand on existing ones and provide support during outbreak and major event situations. The post-holder will take a lead on discrete projects and reports and help ensure that analytical and reporting deadlines are met.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
We are Public Health Wales – the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is ‘Working together for a healthier Wales’. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.
We are guided by our Values, ‘Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference’. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job Description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or to view in Trac.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- A first degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience
- Post graduate qualification in public health, epidemiology, bioinformatics statistics or related subject or equivalent experience
- Post graduate experience of scientific or information analysis work
- Experience of working with large or complex data sets
- Experience of project based working
- Experience of producing written reports for publication and working to deadlines
Desirable
- Strong background in a biological science or health related field
- Experience of working in software development and of software versioning systems
- Experience of communicating information to scientific audiences, external partners and the public
- Experience of research and development
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Skilled in use of data analysis, coding and/or statistical software packages (e.g. Python, SQL, R)
- Excellent analytical and epidemiological skills, including statistical analysis and data interpretation
- Good all round IT skills, including using and interrogating databases
- Excellent written communication skills, including report writing and presentation of data in appropriate formats
- Ability to plan and organise a number of concurrent projects
- Ability to self-manage workload, work to agreed objectives, set priorities and meet deadlines
- Ability to contribute to and evaluate peer reviewed papers
- Knowledge of microbiological principles
- A broad basic knowledge of information governance, data security and privacy issues
Desirable
- Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn
- Skilled in mapping and data visualisation software
- Basic knowledge of public health
- Knowledge of health service organisation in Wales
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Able to work independently and as a member of a team, with high levels of motivation
- Able to engage with people at all levels
- Able to respond calmly to unpredictable work patterns and meet urgent deadlines
- Flexible, adaptable and innovative approach to work
- Conscientious and pays attention to detail
- Ability to maintain required levels of confidentiality
Other
Essential
- Commitment to continuous personal development
- Prepared to travel
- Willing to work flexible hours if required to meet the needs of the service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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