Senior Risk Modeller
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 25th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Epidemiology and Risk Modelling team at Cefas is an internationally recognised group of risk analysts, modellers and epidemiologists delivering high quality scientific evidence for the development of the UK’s aquatic animal health policy. The team provides robust knowledge and expertise to understand, assess and manage health risks from aquatic animal diseases and non-native species. We provide unique expertise in data analysis and risk assessment that support evidence-based advice to the UK Government and abroad. We are committed to ensuring the sustainability and safety of wild and farmed aquatic ecosystems, whilst supporting trade and aquaculture industry. To this aim, we are seeking a highly skilled modeller to join our team and collaborate with national and international scientists and policymakers to deliver evidence-based risk management strategies. This post presents an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to design, develop, and lead risk modelling projects within our team and support delivery of our scientific work.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
See us here: Welcome to Cefas (youtube.com).
Job description
Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and apply epidemiological and ecological mathematical models to advise and support aquatic animal health policy decisions.
- Lead and deliver research projects on modelling infectious disease outbreaks, evaluating economic and ecosystem impacts of disease and control measures, and supporting risk-based disease surveillance programmes.
- Contribute to qualitative and quantitative data analysis, interpret results, and communicate findings through reports, presentations, and publications leading to policy recommendations.
- Disseminate our science by authoring high-impact reports, and articles in peer-reviewed journals, whilst promoting our science by representing Cefas at national and international meetings and conferences.
- Stay current with advancements in risk modelling methodologies and participate in professional development and training programs. Ensure research performed is at the forefront of methodological developments, particularly within the aquatic animal health fields.
- Leading project proposals to attract funding from Defra, EU, UK Research and Innovation, and commercial customers. You will build on our network of expert collaborators in modelling and risk assessment across the UK and internationally.
- Provide risk communication and advice to policymakers: interpretation and application of risk models and their outputs.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Proven background in mathematical modelling and statistical analysis with coding experience;
- Knowledge of R coding language or a willingness to learn;
- Established reputation in epidemiological and/or ecological modelling, as demonstrated through a publication record in international journals;
- Knowledge of risk management strategies and policies including qualitative and quantitative risk assessments;
- Experience advising decision-makers using risk-based science and evidence;
- Experience in writing successful funding applications;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and
- Postgraduate degree in Mathematics or Biological science focussed on modelling and statistical analysis, or previous relevant work experience with the ability to demonstrate meeting all the essential criteria as listed within this person specification section.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in conceptualising, building and applying epidemiological and/or ecological modelling frameworks.
- Required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in running, analysing and interpreting complex outputs from mathematical models.
- Required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in selecting, developing and applying data-appropriate statistical methods.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday.
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role.
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers.
- In-year award scheme.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 750-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a maximum 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Delivering at Pace.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Delivering at Pace.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Delivering at Pace. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the four advertised behaviours, the three advertised technical skills and your experience (as stated in the person specification section).
You may also be required to give a presentation or to complete an exercise as part of the interview process. You will receive further information with your invitation.
Please be aware that at this time, interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour – Delivering at Pace will be used by the panel.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Please be aware that this role is based at our main location in Weymouth.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Amanda Miles or Alec Wilson
- Email : resourcing@cefas.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission.
