Data Analyst – UK Health Security Agency | £37,749–£45,353 | London
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is recruiting for a Data Analyst based at its scientific campus in Colindale, London.
This is a permanent Higher Executive Officer (HEO) position offering a salary of £37,749 to £45,353 per year, with full-time, part-time, flexible working and job-share options available.
Job Overview
Job Title: Data Analyst
Employer: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Reference: 473950
Salary: £37,749 – £45,353 per year
Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Colindale, London
Working Pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working, job share
Number of Positions: 1
Closing Date: 11:55 pm, Friday 18 September 2026
About the Role
The Data Analyst will provide scientific and analytical support to the Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU) at UKHSA in Colindale.
The successful candidate will work with laboratory data, surveillance systems and scientific information, supporting national surveillance activities and research projects.
The role also involves working with laboratory information management systems, analysing bacterial surveillance data and supporting bioinformaticians with bacterial genomic sequencing data.
You will have opportunities to contribute to:
- Scientific data analysis
- National surveillance programmes
- Laboratory data management
- Research projects
- Bacterial genomic sequencing analysis
- Database development
- Scientific reports and presentations
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Outbreak investigations
- Laboratory information systems
- Quality management and accreditation activities
Key Responsibilities
Surveillance and Project Support
You will:
- Contribute to RVPBRU surveillance activities.
- Support the development of new surveillance projects relating to RVPBRU infections.
- Participate in research projects relevant to the work of the Unit.
- Support other surveillance activities when required.
Data Analysis
The role involves analysing and interpreting complex scientific data.
You will:
- Develop and maintain RVPBRU-specific databases.
- Analyse bacterial genetic typing data.
- Monitor trends in laboratory data.
- Produce regular scientific reports.
- Prepare presentations for national and international meetings.
- Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Undertake ad-hoc scientific analyses.
- Interpret scientific data to support surveillance and research activities.
Laboratory Data Management
You will help maintain and develop Unit-specific laboratory data management systems.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing and maintaining RVPBRU-specific tests within the MOLIS laboratory management system.
- Working as a MOLIS superuser.
- Supporting software solutions used to upload or extract laboratory results.
- Working with software specialists within and outside UKHSA where required.
Genomic and Bioinformatics Support
The successful candidate will support Unit bioinformaticians with:
- Analysis of bacterial genomic sequencing data.
- Pathogen-specific web-based databases.
- Sequence-typing activities.
- Interpretation of genomic and laboratory data.
Outbreak Support
You may liaise with medical and scientific professionals across:
- UKHSA
- NHS
- Other relevant organisations
You will provide information and analytical support for the investigation of national and international outbreaks.
Data Security and Confidentiality
The role requires strict adherence to data security and confidentiality requirements.
You will be expected to:
- Protect confidential patient information.
- Follow UKHSA data security policies.
- Comply with the Data Protection Act.
- Follow relevant statutory requirements.
- Ensure information systems comply with UKHSA security policies.
- Follow Caldicott principles and regulations.
Quality and Laboratory Standards
The successful candidate will contribute to maintaining high standards of laboratory quality and data management.
Working with the Unit Technical Manager and Quality Management System Team, responsibilities include:
- Supporting laboratory accreditation.
- Contributing to compliance with ISO 15189.
- Supporting internal and external quality assurance programmes.
- Contributing to audit programmes.
- Supporting corrective actions.
- Developing and maintaining information and data management standards.
- Contributing to an efficient quality management system.
- Ensuring work is carried out safely, effectively and economically.
- Supporting continuous improvement and best practice.
Training and Professional Development
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Contribute to training colleagues when required.
- Maintain continuous professional development.
- Keep up to date with relevant professional and statutory requirements.
- Maintain awareness of service-provider requirements.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should have the following:
Education
A primary degree in a science or health-related subject, such as:
- Biomedical science
- Healthcare science
- Epidemiology
- Or another relevant science/health discipline
Data Management
Experience of:
- Data management
- Handling scientific or healthcare-related datasets
- Maintaining databases or information systems
Statistical Analysis
Experience of data and statistical analysis using tools such as:
- Excel
- STATA
- R
Database Skills
Experience using database software, such as:
- Microsoft Access
- SQL
- Other relevant database technologies
Coding
Experience with programming or coding, particularly:
- SQL
- R
- Python
Communication
You should have:
- Good organisational skills.
- The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
- Strong written communication skills.
- The ability to write clearly and fluently.
Desirable Skills
The following would be advantageous but are not listed as essential:
- Bioinformatics experience.
- Experience using commercial bioinformatics software.
- Experience using Unix command-line software.
- Experience with MOLIS or a similar laboratory management system.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a salary of:
£37,749 – £45,353 per year
In addition to salary, UKHSA contributes towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
Other benefits include:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Inclusive working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Civil Service pension benefits.
Working Arrangement – Hybrid
The position is based at the UKHSA Scientific Campus in Colindale, London.
The role operates under a hybrid working model where business needs allow.
Employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their contractual working hours, approximately three days per week pro rata averaged over a month, working at the campus.
Security Clearance
Because the role is based at the UKHSA scientific campus, successful applicants will be required to undergo security checks.
The advert states that the role requires:
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
- Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)
- Standard disclosure and barring/security checks
Applicants should normally have been resident in the UK for the last three years for the CTC process.
However, the advert notes that exceptional circumstances may apply and applicants with shorter periods of UK residency may not necessarily be excluded.
Applicants should contact the vacancy holder/recruiting manager for further advice where applicable.
Application Process
Stage 1 – Application and Sift
Applicants will complete an application form and provide a supporting statement of no more than 1,500 words.
The supporting statement should demonstrate how your:
- Skills
- Experience
- Knowledge
- Qualifications
meet the essential criteria for the position.
Important: The application will be assessed using your application form and supporting statement.
You cannot upload a CV for this vacancy.
Applicants are specifically advised to complete the application form in as much detail as possible and not to email a CV.
Longlisting
If there is a large number of applications, candidates may initially be divided into:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Where longlisting is used, applicants who meet all essential criteria may proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting
If required, the initial sift may focus particularly on:
- A primary degree in a science or health-related subject.
- Experience of data and statistical analysis, such as Excel, STATA or R.
Desirable criteria may also be considered where there are large numbers of suitable applicants.
Interview
Successful candidates will progress to interview and assessment.
The interview is expected to be face-to-face at:
61 Colindale Avenue
London
NW9 5EQ
Remote interviews may be offered in exceptional circumstances.
The interview will assess your:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Skills
- Abilities
Presentation Assessment
Applicants will also be required to complete a presentation designed to assess their experience with:
- Data analysis
- Statistical analysis
- Excel
- STATA
- R
- Database software
- Access
- SQL
- Coding
- Python
Interview dates are to be confirmed.
Artificial Intelligence and Applications
UKHSA states that artificial intelligence can be used to support an application, but all examples and statements must be:
- Truthful
- Factually accurate
- Based on your own experience
Applicants should not present AI-generated material or another person’s experience as their own.
Applications may be withdrawn where plagiarism or inappropriate use of AI is identified.
Eligibility
The vacancy is open to external applicants, including people outside the Civil Service.
The advertised nationality categories include eligible:
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
- Eligible EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals
- Certain individuals with settled or pre-settled status
- Eligible Turkish nationals and certain family members
Applicants must satisfy the relevant Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.
International Police Check
Applicants who have spent more than six months abroad during the last three years may be required to obtain an International Police Check.
The six months do not necessarily have to have been spent abroad in one continuous period.
Future UKHSA Location
UKHSA is investing in a new National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex.
The new facilities are expected to begin becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion planned by 2038.
Staff from existing sites are expected to move in phases as facilities become available.
UKHSA states that its existing sites, including Colindale, will continue to receive investment during the transition period.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making recruitment accessible and fair.
Applicants who require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process can contact the recruitment team confidentially to discuss their requirements.
Important Information
Once the vacancy closes, the original job advert may no longer be available.
Applicants are advised to save a copy of the vacancy information for their records.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official recruitment route.
Job Reference: 473950
Closing date: 11:55 pm, Friday 18 September 2026
Apply here:
Contact Information
Job Contact: Baharak Afshar
Email: Baharak.Afshar@ukhsa.gov.uk
Recruitment Team:
recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job | Data Analyst |
| Employer | UK Health Security Agency |
| Reference | 473950 |
| Salary | £37,749 – £45,353 |
| Grade | Higher Executive Officer |
| Contract | Permanent |
| Location | Colindale, London |
| Working | Full-time, part-time, flexible, job share |
| Working model | Hybrid |
| Positions | 1 |
| Closing date | 18 September 2026 |
| Degree | Science or health-related degree |
| Key skills | Excel, STATA, R, Access, SQL, Python |
| Desirable | Bioinformatics, MOLIS |
| Security | BPSS / CTC and relevant checks |
| Application | Application form + 1,500-word supporting statement |
| CV upload | Not available |
Who Is This Job Suitable For?
This opportunity could be particularly relevant to candidates with backgrounds in:
- Data analysis
- Scientific data analysis
- Biomedical science
- Healthcare science
- Epidemiology
- Laboratory data management
- Bioinformatics
- Public health
- Statistical analysis
- Database management
- Scientific research
- Genomic data analysis
Candidates should pay particular attention to the essential degree, data/statistical analysis, database and coding requirements before applying.