Job summary
We are looking for a Software Engineer to work on the NEARDATA project ( on large-scale near-data processing funded by the European Commission. Work will happen within the Gastrointestinal infections and food safety (One health) team, which is part of the Clinical and Public Health directorate and is tasked with providing NEARDATA with a use case on the processing of genomics data relevant to public health. The successful candidate will lead the development of such use case and make sure it is successful.
Main duties of the job
Working as part of the Gastrointestinal infections and food safety (One health) (GIFSOH) team, you will support the development of a genomics use case for EU NEARDATA, a project on large-scale near-data processing funded by the European Commission.
With the support of your line manager and a Bioinformatician, you will become familiar with the bioinformatics pipelines currently used within UKHSA and GIFSOH. First, you will acquire a hands-on experience with them, with particular attention to dataset scale, scalability, and computational requirements. After that, you will help developing similar workflows compatible with the extreme-data technologies that are being developed as part of NEARDATA.
This role offers the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the implementation of genomics for public health, and to get first-hand experience of state-of-the-art tools being developed to process large data in the cloud and elsewhere. The successful candidate will help shaping the UKHSA genomics case within NEARDATA, establishing relations with partners within UKHSA and the consortium and disseminating results at conferences and through scientific publication.
As such, our ideal candidate thrives in a complex technological data-rich environment, is motivated by making an impact and delivering results, and is comfortable with independent work requiring complex decisions to be made.
About us
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information
Job description
Job responsibilities
Your key responsibilities will include:
Supporting the development of a UKHSA genomics use case for EU NEARDATA. Understanding extreme-data technologies being developed as part of NEARDATA. Studying and understanding bioinformatics pipelines currently used within UKHSA and GIFSOH by acquiring a hands-on experience with them, with particular attention to dataset scale, scalability, and computational requirements. Helping to develop similar workflows compatible with NEARDATA technology. Building collaborative relationships with other UKHSA and NEARDATA partners. Participating in periodic NEARDATA meetings, both remotely and in person. Disseminating results by writing scientific manuscripts and attending conferences.
Selection Process
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the below listed nineessential criteria, and this will be in the form of an:
Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word Statement of Suitability.
This should outline how your skills,experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
TheApplication form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
Shortlisting:In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
Experience of contributing to large and complex software solutions Experience of developing software for distributed computer resources
Stage 2: Interview (competency based)
You will be invited to a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
There will be a presentation as part of the interview process.
Interviews will be held in January note, these dates are subject to change.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool or London offices. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.
As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month).
Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard,
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Essential
Higher degree ( MSc or above) in preferred in scientific fields like Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. Experience of contributing to large and complex software solutions Experience of developing software for distributed computer resources Proficient in Python - SciPy, NumPy, (other scripting languages) Proven ability to write software documentation Confident in a Linux environment and source code repository Git Innovative problem-solving abilities, self-motivated and goal-oriented Proven skills in developing and modifying code used for data analysis An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
