Associate Risk Analyst

As an Associate Risk Analyst, you will learn to undertake literature reviews, data gathering and risk assessment to understand the likelihood and consequence of disease import and spread. Working independently and in teams with other risk analysts, you will apply your skills to inform policy and aid in controlling exotic notifiable diseases. This post sits within the Biomathematics & Risk Research (BRR) Workgroup within the Department for Epidemiological Sciences (DES). BRR 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. You will primarily be involved in developing qualitative risk assessments and supporting data collection for quantitative risk assessments. With appropriate training, you will work on projects for policy and trade, assessing the risk to animal health due to trade in various commodities. You will also work on research projects and reactive projects in response to perceived threats from incursions of pathogens relevant to livestock, pets and wildlife. This post provides an opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to gain a deep understanding of qualitative risk assessment, and some knowledge of quantitative risk assessment The responsibilities of the Associate Risk Analyst will involve:

• Producing qualitative risk assessments and simple quantitative risk assessments
• Liaising with national and international disease and risk assessment experts in the veterinary and public health fields and colleagues within the APHA providing and collating data or information for use in current risk assessments and other mathematical modelling projects.
• Carrying out literature searches on specific pathogens and topics.
• Contributing to or leading on writing of project reports and scientific papers. Writing and giving scientific presentations where appropriate.
• Keeping up to date with developments in selected areas of the risk analysis discipline with relevance to animal health policy.
• Seeking opportunities to assist in the writing of project proposals to obtain funding.
  
  Are you interested in understanding diseases and their risk to the UK?
Would you like a role where you can apply your communication and problem-solving skills to help prevent the spread of infectious animal and plant diseases?

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy. APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups. The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes. This post offers the opportunity to build and develop expertise in risk assessment for animal and plant disease and food safety.