Field Epidemiology Training Programme Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Overview of the Programme

The UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme (UKFETP) is an intensive, two-year, full-time postgraduate programme designed for professionals working in public health, clinical medicine, epidemiology, veterinary health, data science or related fields. It is aimed at individuals who want to develop advanced, applied epidemiological skills and take on responsibilities in outbreak response, surveillance and health protection.

Training is delivered primarily through hands-on field placements within the UK—combined with structured teaching sessions that account for around 10% of the programme. This fellowship cannot be extended beyond two years except in limited statutory circumstances.

Fellows are placed in one training location across England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Training environments include national centres, UKHSA Field Service teams and regional Health Protection Teams. Fellows may also have opportunities to support the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Outbreak and Incident Response

• As a Fellow, you will take an active role in identifying, assessing and investigating public health incidents. Under supervision you will:
• Identify and assess clusters of illness or suspected outbreaks.
• Participate in incident and outbreak control groups.
• Develop protocols, data tools and communication materials.
• Lead technical components of investigations—describing epidemiological patterns by time, place and person.
• Formulate hypotheses and develop analytical plans.
• Conduct interviews with clinicians, patients and stakeholders.
• Oversee data quality, data entry and database integrity.
• Perform complex statistical analysis and interpret microbiological and epidemiological evidence.
• Present results to local, regional and national public health partners.
• Produce written reports, briefings and progress updates.

2. Surveillance Systems

• Fellows contribute to the design, operation and evaluation of surveillance systems. Duties may include:
• Developing protocols for new surveillance initiatives.
• Evaluating existing surveillance systems against performance indicators.
• Building and maintaining surveillance datasets.
• Producing surveillance outputs and reports.
• Supporting ad hoc epidemiological queries.

3. Research and Scientific Contribution

You will develop applied research skills through:

• Identifying public health problems through literature reviews and data analysis.
• Preparing study proposals and obtaining ethical approval, where required.
• Designing epidemiological studies, including sampling and analysis plans.
• Producing written outputs and contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
• Supporting colleagues with manuscript development and scientific writing.

4. Training, Teaching and Mentoring

Fellows also support UKHSA’s education mission by:

• Assessing the learning needs of various staff groups.
• Contributing to the planning and evaluation of training sessions.
• Delivering teaching on epidemiology, surveillance and outbreak management.

Expectations of Fellows

Successful applicants must:

• Attend all formal teaching modules.
• Be willing to travel regionally or nationally at short notice.
• Work out-of-hours when required during urgent incidents.
• Relocate to their assigned training location for the duration of the fellowship.
• Undergo a DBS check and maintain confidentiality in accordance with UKHSA protocols.
• Meet security vetting requirements (CTC level for certain scientific campuses).
• Have the right to work in the UK by 10 September 2026—sponsorship cannot be provided.

About UKHSA

UKHSA is committed to being an inclusive, equitable employer. We champion diversity, nurture individuality and remove barriers—ensuring that differences are valued and drive innovation in protecting public health.

Recruitment Process

Stage 1 – Application & Longlisting

Applicants must complete a detailed application form including a Statement of Suitability (up to 1500 words). CVs are not accepted.

Longlisting assesses:

• Relevant postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience
• Evidence of publications
• Minimum 18 months’ experience in Public Health, Epidemiology or Health Protection
• Ability to analyse complex or imperfect data
• Demonstrated interest in applied epidemiology
• Only applicants meeting all essential criteria progress to shortlisting.

Stage 2 – Shortlisting

Applications are scored against all essential and desirable criteria.
Top-scoring candidates progress to interview.

Stage 3 – Interview & Assessment

• Interviews take place in London between 19–21 May 2026. Candidates will prepare an analysis report and present their findings.
• Programme start date: 10 September 2026
• Feedback is only available to those who attend an interview.

Working Arrangements

This fellowship is offered on a hybrid basis. Fellows are expected to spend at least 60% of their working hours on site. Some roles involve co-location with other government departments.

Security vetting requires typically 3 years UK residency, though exceptions may be considered.

Salary

Starting salary follows civil service pay principles. Transfers from other government departments or the NHS follow established rules. In most cases, the starting point is the minimum of the pay band unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant scientific, public health or epidemiological field
  OR
• At least four years’ supervised experience in public health, epidemiology or health protection, with evidence of publication
• Public Health Specialist Registrars only: must have completed FPH examinations (DFPH and MFPH).

Desirable

• Two first-author peer-reviewed publications for applicants without a Master’s degree.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Minimum 18 months’ experience (non-academic) in epidemiology, public health or health protection
• Experience managing, analysing and reporting data
• Ability to evaluate information during dynamic or evolving incidents

Desirable

• Experience in audit, evaluation or research

Skills & Attributes

Essential

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Clear interest in applied epidemiology and public health
• Ability to articulate how the UKFETP supports future career goals
• Receptiveness to feedback and structured learning
• Ability to interpret incomplete or complex data and draw meaningful conclusions

Desirable

• Ability to conduct advanced statistical analysis

Equality & Diversity

• Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of equality, equity and inclusive practice.

Disclosure & Immigration Requirements

A DBS check is required for this role.
Candidates needing Skilled Worker visas may apply, but UKFETP cannot provide sponsorship, so applicants must already have a valid right to work in the UK.