Job vacancy: Public Health Researcher, Public Health Wales NHS Trust, Cardiff

Job summary

Main area: Public Health Genomics
Grade: Band 7
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 028-AC218-0825

Employer: Public Health Wales NHS Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Wales Genomic Health Centre
Town: Cardiff
Salary: £48,527 - £55,532 £46,840 - £53,602 per annum (pro-rata)
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 07/09/2025 23:59

Public Health Researcher

Band 7

Welcome to Public Health Wales, the national public health organisation for Wales

Our vision is Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales

To find out more visit Public Health Wales and watch this video about our Strategic Plan

Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference

Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh, any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. To support our all Wales service, we particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Public Health Development

· Translate public health genomics priorities into answerable research questions, using specific research expertise.

· Contribute to the development of new and innovative solutions employing genomics to address public health priorities

· Undertake literature searches and evidence reviews

· Develop evaluation frameworks for public health interventions

· Translate research findings for a range of audiences, including the public, and support dissemination to mobilise effective public health action in all sectors

· Develop and maintain peer networks within Wales, the UK and internationally as appropriate to meet objectives

· Advise on the development of indicators and outcome measures for public health genomics research

· Provide advice on research methods selection, use and analysis to Public Health Wales staff and key partners

· Provide specialist research input to strategic, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency planning groups

· Provide advice on research funding opportunities and the development of proposals, signpost to other sources of advice and support.

· Develop partnerships with one or more academic centres with an interest in Public Health Research to facilitate joint proposals

Management

· Manage the delivery of research projects within agreed timescales and budgets

· Develop plans for the delivery of complex research projects ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures

· Supervise the work of fieldworkers and other ad hoc research staff as required

· To be responsible for the delivery of key elements of the Public Health Genomics workplan, contributing to reports as required

Teaching and training

· Develops and delivers training for public health professionals on public health genomics, relevant research methods and research governance

· Prepares and delivers presentations for formal audiences including national/international conferences and seminars

· Supports the delivery of practitioner and specialist training programmes in public health in relation to genomics

· Trains fieldworkers and others in data collection or analysis

Research and development

· Design research proposals, including bids for external funding

· Undertake complex data collection and analysis using a range of genomic and other data intensive methods, including appraisal of a range of options and interpretation/integration of data from a range of sources, including engagement with patients and general public through the Genomics Patient Sounding Board .

· Develop innovative approaches to research questions, including development of new methods or applications according to topic area.

· Ensure that all research undertaken complies with research governance policies and procedures

· Take responsibility for the ethical collection, storage and destruction of information, including sensitive personal information

· Participate in peer review processes for research proposals and contribute to the organisations research governance function

· Identify opportunities for research taking account of the organisations priorities and strategic objectives

· Disseminate research findings using a range of methods and approaches to achieve maximum impact.

· Communicate complex information in formal and informal settings and to different audiences, including responding to challenge from experts in the field whose opinions on findings presented may differ.

Professional development

· Undertakes a programme of CPD

· Participate in appraisal and job planning

· Develops and reviews personal development plans, in conjunction with line manager

· Develop a portfolio of publications and research grant generation in collaboration with Universities in Wales.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria

Evidence of knowledge of core genomics and Public Health competencies at masters level or equivalent
Higher Degree with a strong research component
Evidence of higher level study in genomics, bioinformatics or epidemiology or equivalent

Desirable criteria

PhD in related field

Experience

Essential criteria

Significant demonstrable experience leading to highly developed specialist knowledge in research applied to public health or genomics
Experience of playing a leading role in a major research project
Experience of securing research funding through a competitive process

Desirable criteria

Experience of work in public health or genomics in a specialist service or academic setting
Experience of using genomics methods in research

Physical requirements

Essential criteria

Ability to travel across Wales, including in rural communities

Desirable criteria

Able to work flexible hours when required
Ability to work through the medium of Welsh

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes (Interview and applican form)

Essential criteria

Evidence of an ongoing commitment to professional development
Skills in the use of a range of software packages for data analysis

Desirable criteria

Project or programme management skills
Experience of teaching/training

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes (Interview)

Essential criteria

Knowledge of a range of research methods and approaches
Ability to undertake complex analysis of qualitative or quantitative data
Skills in using a range of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methods
Able to select and interpret a range of statistical tests
Excellent organisational skills with an ability to prioritise own work and that of others effectively
Attention to detail
Ability to communicate complex information in writing and orally, in formal and informal settings and to different audiences
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, plan and manage own workload and plan work in advance to meet deadlines
Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and motivate others
Understanding and application of research and information governance processes, policies and procedures

Desirable criteria

Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

Public Health Wales, reserves the right to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage early applications.

Priority is given to staff awaiting redeployment. We therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.

If you have a disability and have any particular requirements to enable you to participate in the application process, please contact [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR APPLICANTS: Applications for our roles are carefully reviewed and shortlisted based on specific criteria, which varies from job to job.

Using a generic application or automated AI application services, such as Lazy Apply or AI Apply, does not usually provide enough personal evidence of your skills and experience relevant to the role. This can make it difficult for us to assess your suitability and will reduce your chances of being shortlisted.

To ensure your application is given full consideration, we recommend submitting a tailored application that directly addresses the criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the advert, providing clear evidence and examples to demonstrate how you meet each requirement.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

If you require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Visa routes, please ensure you self‑assess your eligibility for sponsorship for this role before applying.
Check the Skilled Worker visa guidance or Health and Care visa guidance for details on job eligibility, salary, English language, and sponsorship requirements.

If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email using the address with which you registered. Please ensure you check your email account regularly.

We are committed to fair, transparent recruitment and believe in equality of opportunity in our workplace and will not tolerate discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, religion or belief, race or nationality, marriage or civil partnership status, sex, sexual orientation, working pattern, caring responsibilities, trade union activity or political beliefs – or on any other grounds. We welcome applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements.

The salary scale shown is for a full-time member of staff, with the amount being adjusted pro rata for those working less than 37.5 hours per week.

The salary scale above has been agreed as part of the NHS Agenda for Change pay award for 2025/2026 and will be implemented in August 2025 with arrears backdated to 1st April 2025 where applicable.

In general, anyone joining our Trust who has not previously worked in the NHS will, by default, start on the first point of the advertised pay band. Pay progression will then be determined by annual Performance and Development Reviews in accordance with the NHS Wales Pay Progression Policy. An application for Incremental Credit may be considered, but can only be awarded based on evidenced, reckonable service and/or equivalent, relevant experience.