Epidemiological Data Scientist (Advanced)

Epidemiological Data Scientist (Advanced)

Health Protection Division provides information and advice and takes action to protect people in Wales from communicable disease and environmental hazards. Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) is the epidemiology and surveillance branch of Health Protection Division.

This is a senior role that will develop the use of data science techniques to support the work of CDSC. The postholder will develop mathematical and epidemiological models which simulate the spread of infectious diseases. The post holder will develop methods and processes to maintain existing surveillance systems and set up new ones. This will include the management, maintenance and quality improvement of data flows to CDSC. The post holder will work with senior epidemiologists to implement emerging methods in data science such as data linkage and machine learning and explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence. The post holder will also work closely with microbiologists to develop new surveillance methods using the results of whole genome sequencing of pathogens, and will also have a role in supporting field epidemiology activities.

Main duties of the job

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.

The post holder will contribute to Public Health Wales's Research Strategy by undertaking research & development activities which may include the preparation of applications for funding. They will be expected to work within any budgets set by the department but will be expected to make recommendations on the most appropriate allocation of resource.

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.

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; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree in a scientific, computing or health related subject
• Masters qualification or equivalent experience acquired in a data-related field
• A qualification or demonstrable training/experience in data science

Experience

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

Skills

• 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
• Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn
• Regression and time series analysis
• Mapping
• Ability to manage data from whole genome sequencing

Knowledge

• Specialist knowledge of data science methods
• Knowledge of epidemiological principles and their application to communicable disease surveillance and control
• A good understanding of healthcare systems in Wales
• Awareness of policies and procedures relating to dealing with confidential data
• 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 VBA programming, R markdown, or STATA
• 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.
• Ability to work in challenging or different circumstances
• Ability to speak Welsh

Other

• 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
• Evidence of continuing professional Development

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.