The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
UKHSA Mission
* Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation's readiness, defences and health security
* Detect: use cutting‑edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
* Analyse: use world‑class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
* Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
* Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.
Job Overview – AMR & HCAI Division
This post is within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Division of UKHSA. The division’s mission is to protect people from healthcare‑associated and antimicrobial‑resistant infections through world‑leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, modelling, research and interventions.
Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU)
The Primary Care and Interventions Unit is a small research team based in Gloucester. It aims to prevent and improve the management of common infections in primary care through research, guidance, resource development and education of professionals, the general public and young people. The unit works with GP practices, pharmacies, care homes, universities, schools and the public to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and preventing infection. Key deliverables include educational resources and implementation tools for health professionals, the public and schools.
Key Projects and Examples
* TARGET Antibiotics Toolkit
* e‑Bug educational website
Role: Research Project Support Officer
As a Research Project Support Officer you will support the TARGET Antibiotics Toolkit team and contribute to research projects that improve how common infections are managed in primary care settings (GP surgeries, pharmacies, care homes). Your responsibilities include:
* Writing research protocols and preparing ethics applications.
* Collecting, analysing and reporting data and presenting findings.
* Authoring peer‑reviewed publications.
* Reviewing and updating resources and communicating the PCIU’s work at events and conferences.
* Controlling project progress, risks and deliverables under a line manager or project manager.
* Managing databases and systems that support programme operations.
* Contributing to business case development and proposals for new projects.
* Producing accurate reports on project performance and analysing project outcomes.
* Communicating complex data and research findings in clear, effective written and verbal formats.
* Designing draft research specifications and supporting primary research (interviews, surveys).
* Maintaining stakeholder relationships and fostering collaboration across teams.
* Supporting learning events and networks to enhance stakeholder knowledge and skills.
* Assisting in the creation of promotional materials for scientific press.
* Managing your own administration and, when appropriate, deputising for the Project Manager.
* Encouraging quality improvement and implementing policy and procedural changes within your work area.
* Adhering to project budgets and financial controls.
* Carrying out any other duties reasonably required by the directorate.
Qualifications and Experience
* Educated to MSc level in microbiological sciences, public health, research or equivalent relevant experience and training.
* Experience in public health science (data collection, analysis, reporting) and application to health policy and interventions.
* Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner) or equivalent experience using project management tools.
* Strong communication skills with stakeholders at all levels.
* Experience in public health, NHS or similar research role.
* Ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks and deliver within set timescales in a multidisciplinary team.
* Ability to negotiate, influence and engage with staff and stakeholders at all levels.
* Lead as a specialist in quantitative or qualitative research/education and provide guidance.
* Translate user/customer/stakeholder needs into products or services that meet those requirements.
* Well‑developed written and oral communication skills.
* Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Essential Criteria
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 9 essential criteria listed in the job advert:
* Educated to MSc degree level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research.
* Experience in public health science related data collection, analysis, reporting and application to health policy and interventions.
* Project Management Qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner) or equivalent relevant experience.
* Communicates effectively with project stakeholders and partners.
* Previous experience in public health, NHS, or similar research role.
* Ability to manage own workload, prioritise work and deliver within set timescales.
* Ability to negotiate, influence and engage with staff and stakeholders at all levels.
* Ability to lead as a specialist in area of quantitative or qualitative research/education and provide guidance.
liWell‑developed written and oral communication skills.
Key Working Relationships
* Joint Clinical Leads of Primary Care and Interventions Unit
* Primary Care and Interventions Unit Manager
* Other Primary Care and Intervention Unit staff
* Other UKHSA departments including HCAI, AMR and behavioural insights
* Colleagues within the NHS
* Universities
* Research & Development Units
* Primary Care commissioners
* Ethics and Grants Committees
* Project and research participants including patients
* Other research groups and collaborators
* Professional societies with interest in infections in primary care, especially RCGP, BSAC, RPS and RCN.
Eligibility and Employment
The post is a non‑reserved Civil Service role open to UK nationals, nationalities of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein (with settled or pre‑settled status) and eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, and other eligible groups. Applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules and provide security and pre‑employment checks. The role will start on a fixed‑term appointment with hybrid working (minimum 60 % office based). The pay band minimum for the grade will apply, with possible flexibility for higher existing salaries.
Benefits
* Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
* Cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
* Retail discounts and cashback site.
* Flexible working patterns (part‑time, job‑share, condensed hours). Hybrid working model.
* Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave package.
UKHSA is an inclusive organisation that promotes equality of opportunity and encourages applications from under‑represented groups. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available, including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
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