Healthcare Scientist / Bioinformatician

Job Description

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit PHE Website.On 18 August 2020, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced plans to establish the National Institute for Health Protection and consult on the best future options for strengthening health improvement and other public health functions in the wider system. Public Health England and many of its employees will be in scope for transition to new organisations in Spring 2021. Any new or current employees working for Public Health England during this time, will receive appropriate communications and consultation prior to any formal transfer taking place. Employees who compulsorily transfer to successor bodies will remain on their existing contractual terms and conditions and this applies both to current employees and those recruited during the transition. The recruitment, growth & development of our workforce is vital for the continuing success of PHE and thefuture National Institute for Health Protection.Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.A vacancy exists for a Bioinformatician to work within the National Infections Service (NIS) at Colindale. The post-holder will primarily take a role in developing and maintaining the software and computer systems that deliver the mechanism for TB genome comparisons and the system that links genomic clustering to epidemiological information (Forest).These systems are essential components in the translation of routine whole genome sequencing data into information for action by clinical and public health teams in the TB Unit, which is part of the Tuberculosis, Acute Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Emerging Infections and Zoonoses and Travel Health Division (T.A.R.G.E.T.)We are seeking applicants who are self-motivated and proactive with a higher degree in Bioinformatics/computer science. The successful applicant will have proven skill in large-scale sequencing analysis working in industry, academia or healthcare. Candidates should have proven skills in programmatic bioinformatics, and will be proficient in coding in python. The post-holder will be expected to work independently and will have significant autonomy within his/her specialist area of expertise.Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the person specification (available online) as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria. Please also see job description for competencies.Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).For an informal discussion please contact David Wyllie .uk or Richard Myers .uk.