Risk Modeller (ID 1473)

APHA is an Executive Agency of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). We are responsible for identifying, managing, and controlling incidents and outbreaks of endemic and exotic diseases and pests in animals, plants and bees, as well as carrying out scientific research. We provide unique capabilities and an evidence base for the UK government, together with international reference centre responsibilities.
The Biomathematics & Risk Research (BRR) Workgroup within the Department for Epidemiological Sciences is a nationally & internationally recognised group of risk analysts, modellers and statisticians providing high quality scientific evidence for policy formulation and outbreak response, as well as specialist support to research and operations in the area of animal and public health. The Animal & Plant Health Agency is an internationally recognised World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre for Risk Analysis and Modelling., Using their quantitative and programming skills in areas such as infectious disease modelling and simulation, the risk modeller will be involved in quantitative modelling assessments to support Government policy and trade negotiations. They will also work on current research topics of interest, such as emerging infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance and avian influenza, as well as risk assessments during outbreak situations. Often working as part of a team, the postholder will be involved throughout the risk assessment process, from the defining of the risk question, model design, implementation, coding and the delivery and communication of the results. This is an opportunity for a self-motivated individual, with excellent communication skills, to shape future policies in the area of animal health/food safety and to make scientific advances in the area of risk assessment.
A risk analyst within this workgroup will work to:
+ Develop and use quantitative risk assessments/mathematical models applied to current national and international animal health and food safety issues.
+ Develop and code models within mainstream programming languages, such as R, Matlab or Python, ensuring quality, usability and efficiency, and learn new technical programming skills if needed.
+ Undertake methodological research for the development of all aspects of risk assessment, with a particular focus on quantitative risk assessment.
+ Contribute to qualitative risk assessments if required e.g. during outbreaks.
+ Contribute to the writing of project proposals to obtain funding and, if successful, manage small projects.
+ Advise policy-makers on the outcomes from risk assessments and offer consultancy on risk analysis within the APHA.
+ Promote BRR science at national and international meetings and attendance at conferences by presenting, and publishing in reports and peer reviewed journals etc.
+ Keep up to date with developments in selected areas of the risk analysis discipline.
+ Liaise with all those providing information and data for risk assessment work, including specialists, collaborators, policymakers and other stakeholders.
+ Provide expertise and support in the event of an outbreak emergency., 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.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Near miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in APHA which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match., 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.
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.
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.
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.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged.
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based at the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the CTC residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have a minimum of 3 years continuous UK residency. If you cannot meet this criteria CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks before taking up the post.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
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
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

+ Good communication and interpersonal skills to be able to communicate with people at all levels, both within and outside of APHA, and represent the workgroup with confidence
+ The ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team across different projects
+ A methodical approach to data collection and effective parameterisation of models
+ Self-motivation and ability to maintain consistent performance and delivery
+ A willingness to learn qualitative risk assessment (if required) and perform qualitative risk assessments when needed for outbreak or trade negotiations
+ Ability to pay attention to detail to ensure that project reports and papers are of the highest quality., Candidates must have a degree in a quantitative subject or a subject which includes a substantial quantitative element., + Making Effective Decisions
+ Working Together
+ Delivering at Pace
+ Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ Applying scientific and technical knowledge

Alongside your salary of £32,136, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £8,685 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role
+ An environment with flexible working options
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
+ A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%, New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.