About this role
Job summary
The Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology (MEZE) group assess, prepare, and respond to current and emerging vector-borne disease threats in the UK. The team provide entomological expertise on vector issues through research and surveillance activities, primarily on ticks and mosquitoes. They also work internationally on vectors/vector-borne diseases to deliver European funded projects and support the development and delivery of surveillance systems in the UK Overseas Territories.Research and surveillance activities are translated into expert advice for UKHSA, Department of Health and related sister agencies/departments, contributing to policy, contingency planning, and public health preparedness on vector-borne diseases.
We are seeking an additional team member with experience in medical entomology to support the delivery of our expanding research and surveillance portfolio on vectors/vector-borne diseases. They will work to actively support and contribute to the delivery of a wide range of projects through literature reviews, ecological field/lab-based research and surveillance activities and contribution to peer-reviewed publications as required by UKHSA and externally funded projects.
The Medical Entomologist may be required to undertake overseas travel and fieldwork in remote UK locations where driving is the only practical means of access. Therefore, the post holder must hold, or be working towards obtaining, a valid UK driving licence.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the Medical Entomologist are related to vector surveillance and research activities in the UK, and involves data collection, analysis and interpretation, writing of scientific reports and publications.
These duties include:
Support the delivery of scientific research/surveillance/externally funded projects relating to arthropod vectors and vector-borne diseases, including mosquitoes, ticks and other vectors of public health importance. Undertake literature reviews and horizon-scanning activities, extracting, evaluating and summarising key scientific publications. Assist with the collection, analysis and interpretation of surveillance/research data working with project leads and collaborators to deliver high-quality scientific outputs. Contribute to ecological fieldwork, vector surveillance activities and lab-based arthropod identification using established scientific techniques and protocols. Support the investigation of emerging vector-borne disease threats and contribute to public health preparedness and response activities as required. Prepare scientific reports/literature reviews/presentations and other technical outputs to support UKHSA activities, peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder communications. Contribute to the development of advice, guidance and risk assessments relating to vector-borne diseases and their public health impact.
The above is not exhaustive list.
About us
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job description Job responsibilities
Develop effective working relationships with UKHSA colleagues, academic partners, local authorities and other organisations involved in vector surveillance/research/public health protection. Support the representation of the MEZE group at meetings/workshops/professional events as appropriate. Contribute to training and knowledge-sharing activities by supporting colleagues/collaborators in field/lab and surveillance techniques. Maintain professional competency through participation in training, appraisal and continuing professional development activities, and ensure compliance with all mandatory organisational requirements. 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 organisation.
Essential Criteria
Degree in Medical Entomology, Entomology, Zoology, Ecology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in medical entomology, including arthropod identification, field and laboratory techniques, scientific literature review, public health communication, risk assessment, and data analysis. Knowledge of medical entomology and vector-borne diseases and experience of conducting robust and/or systematic literature reviews, including use of relevant databases and references management software. Knowledge and practical experience of using ecological field-based techniques for research and/or surveillance. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce scientific reports and presentations. Ability to work as part of a team, and independently, to deliver shared goals. Using organisational, time management and prioritisation skills to deliver agreed project goals/milestones within agreed timescales. Experience in working within an environment where sudden unexpected demands require flexibility and re-prioritisation of work. Willing to travel overseas to deliver project goals and carry out scientific research and/or training. Desirable Criteria
Experience of relevant laboratory-based working practices for the identification of vectors (morphologically or molecularly) and/or pathogens e.g. PCR, sequencing. Experience of analysing ecological datasets and use of statistical software packages. Experience of manipulating/presenting data using ArcGIS. Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledge, experience, skills and abilities outlined in the Essential Criteria.
Application & Sift (Competency-based)
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.You will be required to complete:
an Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application) a 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over and above this number This 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 supporting statement.
The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload or email us your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.
Longlisting
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 Only 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following 2 Essential Criteria:
Knowledge of medical entomology and vector-borne diseases Knowledge and experience of conducting robust and/or systematic literature reviews, including use of relevant databases and references management software Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Interview
You will be invited to a single face-to-face interview at our lab in Porton Down. Interview(s) to be confirmed.
In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria:
Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.
Salary Information
Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)National HEO: £33,422 - £40,731 per annum, pro-rataIf 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.
Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our laboratory in Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG.
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) working at our lab.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC).
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 Security CTC clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Resourcing Support listed in the advert for further advice.
Person Specification
Application Form & Supporting Statement Essential
Application Form & Supporting Statement
Interview Essential
Questions on Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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).
Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency
Address Hybrid working based at our Porton Down laboratory
Salisbury
SP4 0JG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)