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Job overview

Health Protection Division provides information and advice and takes action to protect people in Wales from communicable disease and environmental hazards. Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) is the epidemiology and surveillance branch of Health Protection Division.

This is a senior role that will develop the use of data science techniques to support the work of CDSC. The postholder will develop mathematical and epidemiological models which simulate the spread of infectious diseases. The post holder will develop methods and processes to maintain existing surveillance systems and set up new ones.  This will include the management, maintenance and quality improvement of data flows to CDSC The post holder will work with senior epidemiologists to implement emerging methods in data science such as data linkage and machine learning and explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence.  The post holder will also work closely with microbiologists to develop new surveillance methods using the results of whole genome sequencing of pathogens, and will also have a role in supporting field epidemiology activities. 

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will use highly developed skills in data science, health informatics and project management to define, interpret and provide solutions to complex public health problems. This will involve framing problems in epidemiological terms, analysing complex data sets, ensuring outputs from projects are delivered to time and reporting findings to stakeholders, including the public, health professionals within Public Health Wales, the NHS, Health Boards and Welsh Government.

The post holder will have a role in developing and delivering training on a variety of topics. To do this the post-holder will be required to liaise with individuals from varied backgrounds in a range of organisations.

The post holder may be required to line manage and/or co-ordinate work of junior team members. They will be required to train staff, supervise or mentor junior staff and demonstrate specific tasks or work as required to others.

The post holder will contribute to Public Health Wales’s Research Strategy by undertaking research & development activities which may include the preparation of applications for funding.  They will be expected to work within any budgets set by the department but will be expected to make recommendations on the most appropriate allocation of resource.

Working for our organisation

We are Public Health Wales – the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is ‘working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations. 

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales.  Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change. 

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion.  We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/