Animal & Plant Health Agency

  • Weybridge, UK

2 job(s) at Animal & Plant Health Agency

Animal & Plant Health Agency Weybridge, UK
23/08/2018
Full time
Scientific Software Developer Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) Grade: HSO Location: Weybridge £31,080 - £34,940 with £6,000 per annum specialist pay allowance dependent on skills and experience Ref: 1589993   At the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) we safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of the environment, the economy and the millions of people who live here.  Our Department of Epidemiological Science (DES) is at the heart of some of our most important work. Your software development and analytical expertise will make a real difference to a range of policies and both research and development and operational projects.  An exciting opportunity has arisen for a software developer to join the multi-disciplinary Biomathematics and Risk Research workgroup in DES. Being part of this workgroup, which provides advanced modelling, software development and scientific computing, you will: Design and develop novel algorithms for the analysis of epidemiological data, including parameter estimation and decision support. Develop complex software systems that are used for animal disease control projects. This work will include developing applications and simulation models of the spread of animal diseases, plus surveillance and management. Engage with a broad array of stakeholders such as veterinarians, policy advisors and industry representatives to understand their needs and translate these into technical solutions. Support key technical areas such as testing, architectural best practice, and technical peer review. Contribute to APHA scientific papers, project proposals, reports and presentations. Ensure we remain technically-advanced by identifying, testing and building new systems that will enhance our capabilities.  This is a fascinating role with the scope to stretch your skills across projects of genuine national importance. We will expect you to have a degree in a scientific or IT-related subject, with simulation and data analysis experience using either Java or Scala. Familiar with Linux platform, you will understand the fundamental scientific and engineering principles relating to the field and the best way to apply these. You will be keen to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues and have strong communication skills. It would also be ideal if you have knowledge of some of the following: test-driven development, R, algorithms and simulation modelling, Cloud IaaS and visualization.  We are an organization that takes the inclusion, support and development of our people very seriously You can look forward to learning, mentoring, coaching and continual professional development all designed to help you get the very most from your career.  We also aim to support the personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer flexible working. Closing date: 23 September 2018.
Animal & Plant Health Agency Weybridge, UK
28/02/2018
Full time
Scientific Software Developer At the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) we safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy. The modelling team within our Biomathematics and Risk Research Workgroup have a vital role to play. They provide advanced modelling, software development and scientific computing across the APHA. Joining the team as a Scientific Software Developer, you will support challenging business requirements by delivering vital scientific capabilities around data, analysis and IT.   We will look to you to develop and support a range of important applications. These will include simulation models which help us to understand the spread of animal diseases nationally and the best ways to surveil and manage it. You will also help to estimate epidemiological parameters using machine learning methods. We will rely on you to make important technical decisions through the lifecycle of analytical and infrastructure projects. You will consider each project’s requirements to determine the right technical approach - for example, choosing horizontal or vertical scaling for data analysis challenges, and setting the scope of quality assurance. Your work will be varied, important and endlessly interesting. Crucially, the work you deliver will have major impact on animal disease control.   Qualified to degree level in a scientific or IT related subject, you will bring to the role demonstrable experience of programming in Java. Experience of test driven development is vital, too. We will also expect you to be familiar with Linux. Ideally, you will have some experience of any of the following: R; algorithms and simulation modelling; Scala/functional programming; JavaScript; Cloud IaaS; Visualization. You will certainly demonstrate the ability to evaluate evidence, solve problems with innovative thinking, and communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm.   To discover more and apply, please visit https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1571901   Closing date: 14 March 2018.