Summary

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.

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.

This role is based at Colindale but could be hybrid or remote working.

Job description

Software development is key to ensuring our systems are robust and scalable. We are looking for a highly capable, versatile software developer to support the establishment and deployment of robust and often novel analytical pipelines. Most of our systems to date are written in Python, but we recognize potential advantages in migrating to C#, C++, Java and F#. We also require interfaces using modern web technologies & frameworks, so we have a broad range of software development challenges for the right person.

This is an ideal role for someone who is self-motivated and enjoys working in interdisciplinary teams. This is also an opportunity to work in a broad, collaborative project at the cutting edge of infectious disease genomics.

Responsibilities

• To support the migration of current analytical pipelines processing NGS data to robust, scalable software architecture, meeting recognised acceptable software standards
  
• To write new programmatic algorithms for more efficient and novel ways of processing data and its interpretation.
  
• To contribute to the scoping of tools and methodologies for analysis of molecular data in conjunction with other metadata such as epidemiological and clinical information.
  
• To develop and distribute best practice software development and testing for bioinformatics activities across the organisation.
  
• To devise best practices and establish standards for analysis and dissemination of new technological developments that may have an impact on public health.
  
• To contribute to the development of the means to disseminate the results from bioinformatics analyses including web-based delivery
  
• To be involved with the scoping of bioinformatics tools and methodologies for analysis of molecular data in conjunction with other metadata such as epidemiological and clinical information
  
• Write and distribute regular project update reports and to provide training and deliver presentations as required.
  
• To take part in quality procedures and audits for accreditation
  
  Health & Safety
  
• To comply with safety policies, ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to work in a safe manner
  
• Work in a safe manner
  
  Quality
  
• Ensure that the data within UKHSA databases meet the highest standards of quality to meet clinical and public health needs.
  
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes
  
  Risk Management
  
• To assist line management in ensuring that appropriate risk management controls are implemented and maintained within area of responsibility, and that new risks are identified and raised as appropriate
  
  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 the directorate.
  
  The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
  
  Professional Development
  
• You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
  
  Essential Criteria:
  
• Higher degree (i.e., MSc or above) in preferred in scientific fields like Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
  
• Experience of contributing to large and complex software solutions
  
• Experience of developing software for distributed computer resources
  
• Experience in industry or academia of delivering multi-disciplinary projects within deadlines
  
• Proficient in Python - SciPy, NumPy (other scripting languages)
  
• Proven ability to write software documentation
  
• Confident in a Linux environment and source code repository Git
  
• Innovative problem-solving abilities, self-motivated and goal-oriented
  
• Proven skills in at least one object-oriented programming language
  
• Proven skills in developing and modifying code used for data analysis
  
• Clear communication skills and proven ability to train others
  
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
  
  Desirable Criteria:
  
• Qualification in Computer Science or mathematics discipline at a postgraduate level
  
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics formats (FastQ, BAM, SAM, etc.)
  
• Experience of bioinformatics and an understanding of Next Generation Sequencing analytical techniques
  
• Knowledge of Postgres or similar SQL Database architectures
  
• Interest in the advancements of medical microbiology and genomics

Behaviours

We\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Developing Self and Others
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role

• An environment with flexible working options

• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

• A Civil Service pension