Epidemiology and Information Analyst

We are looking for an Epidemiology and Information Analyst within the Central Laboratory Surveillance team which forms part of Field Services within Health Protection in Regions directorate. The Laboratory Surveillance team have responsibility for managing and supporting infectious disease reporting from both the NHS and the Private sector. The team is responsible for ensuring all results which form part of the Health Protection Notification Regulations are being reported and meet the minimum standard required for epidemiology surveillance. The team is responsible for ensuring any new and emerging threats in infectious diseases are configured for reporting by diagnostic laboratories.

The post will provide support to regionally based Field Service teams in managing and supporting laboratories reporting to the UKHSA national laboratory surveillance system (SGSS). Monitoring of daily file imports, correcting incorrect results, liaising with laboratories, and extracting data will all be main aspects of the role. The post-holder will also work to ensure nationally agreed objectives are being delivered successfully locally within regional Field Service teams and contribute to work in completing regular audits and ensuring any anomalies in data are resolved.

Job description

The post-holder will work as part of the Central Laboratory Surveillance Team supporting the data flow of infectious disease reports into UKHSA’s national laboratory surveillance system (SGSS), working alongside regional Field Services teams in a hub-and-spoke-model. The role will involve developing and nurturing key stakeholder relationships within the NHS, working collaboratively regularly. The role will support nationally agreed objectives and initiatives for laboratory surveillance and contribute to the successful delivery of these outcomes. The role is data-driven, with data management and support being the key focus.

This role offers the opportunity to support in solving some of the most complex operational challenges laboratory surveillance is facing, both today and in the future. As such, our ideal candidate thrives in a challenging environment, is motivated by making an impact and delivering results, and is comfortable with sometimes working under pressure as well as working to strict timelines. A keen eye for detail and problem-solving is required.

The role is ideal for newly qualified candidates who want to gain experience in a data-driven environment and who have an interest in Public Health.

Essential criteria

• analytical skills and experience of basic statistical tests including performing basic descriptive and trend analysis
• experience in report writing
• experience of maintaining, analysing and interpreting data using common software packages such as Microsoft Office
• knowledge and experience of common statistical/database/mapping software and tools
• understand information governance issues, including an awareness of data protection and confidentiality requirements
• good oral and written communication (including presentation) skills
• ability to produce work of high quality and accuracy to deadlines including when under pressure
• good organisation, prioritisation, and time management skills and able to work in a multidisciplinary team, as well as on own initiative
• an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Desirable criteria:

• experience and understanding of Standard Operating Procedures
• knowledge/experience of working in an NHS environment and/or epidemiology / public health
• ability to adapt SQL queries and undertake basic analysis of data to support research
• an interest in public health, infectious disease epidemiology, and statistical analysis.