UK Health Security Agency
Research Assistant
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Hybrid working based at Twyver House, Gloucester.
Job Summary
The Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU) 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. We also work with GP practices, pharmacies, care homes, universities, schools, and the public to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and preventing infection. Our work involves creating educational resources and implementation tools for healthcare professionals, the public, and schools.
Our work supports the UK Government’s efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including the UK AMR 20-Year Vision and the National Action Plan (2025–2029).
We collaborate with a wide range of partners to create educational resources and conduct research that informs and evaluates interventions.
Examples Of Our Work Include
- TARGET antibiotics toolkit hub
- e-Bug educational website
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the PCIU to support research, and educational projects within the TARGET workstreams. The post holder will be geographically based in Gloucester, although will be able to work from home part of the week. The successful applicant will enjoy a varied role, that will focus on the development and implementation of resources and training packages to improve antimicrobial stewardship in primary care settings.
Job Description
- To conduct and assist with the research undertaken in the PCIU covering infection prevention, antimicrobial use and intervention development and evaluation.
- To develop protocols for research & development activities and communicate with research team as necessary to plan timelines for delivery e.g. by updating a project timeline or GANTT chart for the lifetime of the project.
- To implement and utilise a range of quantitative research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all activities associated with research projects aiming to ensure project targets are met.
- To implement and utilise a range of qualitative research methods and analysis techniques to undertake and analyse interviews and focus groups.
- To apply behavioural science to the development of data collection tools, analysis and implications of research findings, including the development of interventions.
- To correspond with ethics committees and submit ethics applications and local approvals.
- To undertake needs assessments to inform the development of diagnostic or educational tools.
- To assist or conduct data collection such as surveys, interviews and focus groups (face-to-face & telephone) in line with Caldicott guidelines and GDPR.
- To conduct literature reviews of electronic databases and grey literature.
- To disseminate research through exhibiting/presenting at conferences, events and workshops; preparing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.
- To create, manage and manipulate databases (Access/Excel/Endnote/Epidata) including data input; cleaning, coding validation and verification of data sets; and supplying appropriate raw data sets to statisticians.
- To provide reports through descriptive analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
- To disseminate research through exhibiting/presenting at conferences, events and workshops; preparing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.
- To assist with the updating, reviewing and administration of resources/tools and websites.
- To organise meetings, participate, take minutes and follow up as delegated.
- To undertake work in accordance with UKHSA’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
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Professional Development
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
It should be noted that the work of the division is of a sensitive nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Educated to MSc degree or degree standard level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research OR equivalent demonstrable experience in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research.
- Research and IT skills, specifically in relation to qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, including conducting focus groups, interview techniques, developing questionnaires and data analysis.
- Be required to undertake higher level/advanced training in research methodologies and/or project management e.g. a professional doctorate.
- Self-motivated with meticulous time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise.
- Professional/research experience in the field of public health, education, nursing, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research or related area.
- Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently.
- Presentation skills.
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Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience in, or knowledge of, health interventions underpinned by behavioural science.
- Previous experience in project delivery.
- Good understanding of skills and experience in safe working practices.
Salary Information
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Alongside your salary of £28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
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Learning and development tailored to your role
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An environment with flexible working options
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A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
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A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Diversity and Inclusion
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We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
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UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
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Please visit our careers site for more information: UKHSA Hub, Civil Service Careers
Contact point for applicants
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Job Contact
- Name: Sarah Handy
- Email: sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team
- Email: recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Further information
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The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
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If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk
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If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Visit the Civil Service Commission website for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
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