Job summary
Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) provides field epidemiology support to the Health Protection Division of Public Health Wales. It assists the Division in protecting the population of Wales from infectious diseases and environmental hazards through public health surveillance, epidemiological support for field investigation, and applied research.

This post will contribute to the development of surveillance systems, field investigations, epidemiological studies and research. The post holder will work with analysts, epidemiologists, clinicians and scientists providing epidemiology and support for the development and maintenance of public health surveillance schemes run by the Health Protection Division.

Main duties of the job
The post holder may be required to line manage and/or co-ordinate work of junior team members. They will be required to train staff, supervise or mentor junior staff and demonstrate specific tasks or work as required to others.

Applicants must have a good honours degree in a scientific or numerate subject and a master's qualification in public health or epidemiology or equivalent relevant experience. We are looking for a team player with good organisational and communication skills, who can demonstrate a flexible attitude and the temperament to work under pressure.

The post is primarily based at Public Health Wales' headquarters at Number 2 Capital Quarter in central Cardiff, but other bases within Public Health Wales offices could be considered upon discussion with the successful candidates.

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

About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.

We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

Details
Date posted: 20 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £50,129 to £57,365 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 028-HS031-1026

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree in a scientific, computing or health related subject
• Masters qualification or equivalent experience acquired in public health areas such as: epidemiological methods, public health, microbiology, statistics, data science

Desirable

• A qualification or demonstrable training/experience in public health, health protection or epidemiology

Experience
Essential

• Substantial post-graduate experience of relevant scientific work
• Experience of working with large and complex databases
• Understanding of current scientific and/or epidemiological advances
• Experience of training other staff groups

Desirable

• Experience of surveillance and epidemiology
• Demonstrable experience of working within a public health setting

Skills
Essential

• Advanced epidemiological and statistical methods
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to document and communicate clearly and succinctly
• Advanced skills in statistical and database software (Stata, MS Access, R) to manage and analyse complex data
• Excellent computer literacy, including advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to project manage, coordinate teams and problem solve
• Professional judgments on methods and interpretation

Desirable

• Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn
• Regression and time series analysis
• Mapping
• Ability to manage data and analyse microbiological test data

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of epidemiological principles and their application to communicable disease surveillance and control
• An understanding of healthcare systems in Wales
• Awareness of policies and procedures relating to dealing with confidential data

Desirable

• Knowledge of Public Health Wales
• Knowledge and experience of the architecture and practice of large-scale data management
• A knowledge of automating routine analysis through Tableau, programming, R markdown, or STATA

Personal Attributes (Demonstrable)
Essential

• Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure
• Flexible approach and commitment to apply skills in support of clinical/scientific priorities
• Proven track record as a team player
• Enthusiastic approach with excellent planning and organisational skills
• Negotiation and diplomacy skills to work with a wide range of staff
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Good time-keeping
• Respect confidentiality
• Willingness to learn and develop skills

Desirable

• Ability to work in challenging or different circumstances
• Ability to speak Welsh

Other
Essential

• Ability to foster and maintain good working relationships with administrative staff, scientific staff and health professionals at all levels
• Commitment to CPD within Public Health competency frameworks
• Willingness to travel

Desirable

• Evidence of continuing professional development

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details
Employer name: Public Health Wales
Address: 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://phw.nhs.wales/

For questions about the job, contact:
Caroline Harris
Caroline.Harris2@wales.nhs.uk

The closing date is 03 November 2026. Apply through our website.