Location
Hybrid working based at UK Health Security Agency's core HQ in Canary Wharf, London. Flexible working options available with an expectation to spend a minimum of 60% of contractual hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) in the office. The HQ offers excellent city centre transport links and co-location with other government departments.

Hours
Full time, standard working hours with flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Salary
£52,113 per annum. UK Health Security Agency contributes £13,416 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

About the Role
The Senior Scientist (Epidemiology) will be a key member of the Acute Respiratory Infections team within UKHSA’s TARZET division. The role focuses on the surveillance, epidemiology, and investigation of acute respiratory infections using metagenomic sequencing data. Responsibilities include coordinating and developing the collation and epidemiological analysis of surveillance datasets, conducting complex statistical analyses, supervising junior scientific staff, and contributing to surveillance and policy reports as well as peer-reviewed publications.

The postholder will manage and maintain pathogen surveillance databases, develop new metagenomic surveillance systems, and provide technical advice to public health practitioners. They will also manage technical and analytical aspects of outbreak investigations, liaising with specialists, coordinating incident teams, and producing briefing notes and situation reports.

Additional duties include contributing to research proposals, coordinating data collection from collaborators, conducting statistical analyses for research projects, and supporting the writing of scientific papers and reports. The role involves presenting findings at national and international meetings and developing teaching materials for training programmes.

The postholder will line manage junior scientific staff and contribute to an inclusive and collaborative working environment. This role requires a high level of scientific expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic public health setting.

Experience
- Degree in a life science, data science, or related discipline, with postgraduate study or experience in public health, genomic epidemiology, microbial genomics, or a related field.
- Experience interpreting, analysing, and evaluating genomic and epidemiological data using tools such as R or Python.
- Proven ability to analyse, synthesise, and interpret complex information from multiple sources to support decision-making.
- Experience in scientific writing, including preparation of publications, technical reports, and project documentation.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities and delivering work to deadlines.
- Demonstrated sound judgement and commitment to equality, inclusion, and positive working relationships.

About you
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
- Strong leadership skills with experience supervising junior scientific and administrative staff.
- Ability to provide technical advice and support to public health practitioners and partner organisations.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and innovation.
- Flexibility to support incident response activities as required.

Qualifications
- Essential: Degree in relevant scientific or data discipline with postgraduate experience.
- Desirable: Experience with statistical analysis of large epidemiological datasets, outbreak investigation management, knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, metagenomics expertise, and experience presenting at scientific conferences.