Research Assistant

• To create, manage and manipulate databases (Access/Excel/Endnote/Epidata) including data input; cleaning, coding validation and verification of data sets; and supplying appropriate raw data sets to statisticians.
• To provide reports through descriptive analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
• To disseminate research through exhibiting/presenting at conferences, events and workshops; preparing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• To assist with the updating, reviewing and administration of resources/tools and websites.
• To organise meetings, participate, take minutes and follow up as delegated.
• To undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.

Professional Development

Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events

To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a sensitive nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to MSc degree or degree standard level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research OR equivalent demonstrable experience in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research.
• Research and IT skills, specifically in relation to qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, including conducting focus groups, interview techniques, developing questionnaires and data analysis
• Be required to undertake higher level/advanced training in research methodologies and/or project management e.g. a professional doctorate.
• Self-motivated with meticulous time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise.
• Professional/research experience in the field of public health, education, nursing, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research or related area.
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently.
• Presentation skills.

Desirable Criteria

Previous experience in, or knowledge of, health interventions underpinned by behavioural science.

Previous experience in project delivery.

Good understanding of skills and experience in safe working practices.

Application & Sift (Competency-based)

At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete:

an Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application)

a 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over this amount

The first 200 words of your Supporting Statement must clearly demonstrate how you meet the Essential Criteria 1 & 2 listed in this job advert. This will enable early identification of applications that meet the key requirements of the role.

The remainder of your Supporting Statement should address the other 5 Essential Criteria (3-7) listed in this job advert. Your Supporting Statement should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

You will receive a joint score for your Application Form and Supporting Statement.

The Application Form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload or email us your CV . Please complete the Application Form in as much detail as possible.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 2 piles of:

Meets all Essential Criteria

Meets no Essential Criteria

If no evidence is demonstrated in the first 200 words of your Supporting Statement on how you meet the Essential Criteria 1 & 2 listed in this job advert,your application will be placed in the "Meets No Essential Criteria" pile and will not progress toShortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following 2 Essential Criteria:

Professional/research experience in the field of public health, education, nursing, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research or related area.

Research and IT skills, specifically in relation to qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, including conducting focus groups, interview techniques, developing questionnaires and data analysis.

At Shortlisting you will be scored on all of the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview (Competency-based)

You will be invited to a single remote interview. Interview date(s) to be confirmed.

During the interview we will assess against your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-minute presentation at the start of the interview. The subject of this will be an analysis of data from webinar feedback. Additional information on the topic and format will be shared prior to interview. This is to further assess your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities.

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 as well as internal applicants.

As the role is fixed term and if you are not currently a Civil Servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment; you may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSAs Pay policy.

Salary Information

Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)EO (National): £28,547 - £33,196 per annum, pro-rata

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at Twyver House, Bruton Way, Gloucester GL1 1DQ.

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) working at our Gloucester office.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass an Enhanced disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).