Senior Biosurveillance Scientist

Do you want to join a team that is at the forefront of monitoring and researching diseases that can affect both humans and animals? Are you a scientist with expertise in collecting and testing samples from animals and insects that can carry these diseases? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our Biosurveillance team! We are part of the VPPC research group, a multidisciplinary team that collaborates with internal and external partners to conduct vector-borne, zoonotic disease surveillance and related research programmes. We use a One Health approach to plan, implement and evaluate surveillance programmes that involve: (i) collecting samples from animals and vectors that can carry diseases (ii) storing and managing the samples in our biobanks and (iii) testing the samples for viruses and reporting the results using various methods. You will help us achieve our team’s goals and work plan. You should have excellent communication skills and be able to work with different stakeholders, including volunteer/citizen science groups. You should also have experience in designing and delivering vector-borne disease surveillance programmes. Porton Down – on-site *Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.* Working Pattern – Full Time, Part Time, Flexible Working Responsibilities section: The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties: Working with internal and external stakeholders, lead on the design and implementation of vector and animal sentinel surveillance studies, including obtaining ethical approvals. This may involve establishing and running volunteer based/citizen science studies, requiring building networks, maintaining volunteer engagement, overseeing distribution of sampling packs, receipt of samples and sample testing. Develop and coordinate field-based research projects, including conducting wildlife (e.g., rodent and bird) and vector field work studies, including collaborating with the UKHSA’s Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology group Implement and utilise a range of sample collection, processing, and analysis methods in support of all activities associated with the project, ensuring that project targets are met The post holder will have highly developed communication skills and will be able to liaise effectively and develop excellent working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (including members of the public), specialist wildlife experts, partners, and organisations. This may involve presenting study information and results to a range of audiences, including through public engagement activities feeding back to stakeholder groups, policy makers and at scientific conferences Lead the project team/area to identify, evaluate and adapt new approaches where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods Establish links and collaborations within and outside the UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or department Maintain and establish links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project area Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications Support the epidemiological investigation of incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases, supporting local health protection teams and in collaboration with other partners as required The post holder will be required to hold a valid driving licence of use in the UK Press apply to learn more about this opportunity!