Location
Hybrid working based at the UK Health Security Agency Scientific Campus in Colindale, Edgware, London. Hybrid model requires a minimum of 60% of contractual working hours on campus (approximately 3 days per week averaged over a month).

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£52,113 per annum

About the Role
The Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV (BSHSH) Division is the national centre for surveillance of hepatitis, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England. Based in Colindale, north London, the Division comprises around 100 permanent and project-funded staff including epidemiologists, public health specialists, microbiologists, virologists, data managers, statisticians and IT specialists. The Division collaborates closely with other UKHSA divisions, national and regional teams, and academic partners to support public health surveillance and research.

The Senior Scientist will lead the implementation and management of one or more surveillance systems within the department, including project and staff management. Responsibilities include developing and designing datasets, managing data collation and validation, and producing timely reports and scientific articles. The role requires advanced data analysis, providing specialist advice, interpreting results, and contributing to research and teaching activities.

The postholder must manage multiple and changing demands, meet tight deadlines, and demonstrate intellectual rigour. Effective communication, tact, diplomacy, and cultural awareness are essential to work across organisational boundaries and influence without authority.

Key Responsibilities
- Develop and utilise information and intelligence systems to support public health action across disciplines and organisations.
- Lead the development and productivity of one or more information systems related to HIV/STI surveillance.
- Undertake specialist and complex analyses of quantitative and qualitative datasets to inform decision making.
- Provide expert advice on epidemiological and statistical information to NHS, Department of Health and Social Care, and other stakeholders.
- Influence public health policy decisions through collaboration with external agencies.
- Communicate research findings effectively at local, national, and international levels.
- Write and contribute to policy reports and peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Supervise and manage staff, including day-to-day management.
- Contribute to departmental budget formulation and financial initiatives.
- Undertake public health research, audit projects, and pursue external funding.
- Develop links with academic and other centres to ensure evidence-based work.
- Assist in teaching and training activities, including preparing presentation materials and delivering lectures.

Experience
- Relevant work experience in public health, including surveillance, behavioural research or health promotion.
- Significant experience operating in politically sensitive environments.
- Experience in communicable disease epidemiology, surveillance and/or prevention, particularly HIV or STI.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, including budgets and risk reporting.
- Proficient in using computers and database software such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI.
- Experience with statistical packages such as STATA or R.
- Skilled in interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data.
- Experience in data management, analysis, and reporting.
- Proven ability to prepare scientific reports and presentations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate commitment to equality of opportunity.

About You
- High level of intellectual rigour and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication skills with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and influence without authority.
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and good working relationships.

Qualifications
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
- MSc or equivalent experience in public health, epidemiology, health promotion, healthcare research or similar.
- Training in research methods, infectious disease epidemiology, surveillance, prevention and/or public health.
- Evidence of continued professional development.

Desirable
- Experience of advanced epidemiological and statistical research methods (post-doctoral level).
- Understanding of public health policy and the organisation of the NHS and public health in England.