Senior Test Analyst inNewcastle Upon Tyne inNewcastle Upon Tyne PUBLISHED WED 4 DEC 2024

Band 7: £46,148 to £52,809 a year FIXEDTERM

Health Research Authority r5V1NFfZ

Opportunity to work on significant national health research systems that impact public health in the UK.

Engage in a collaborative and supportive team environment, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.

Contribute to an ambitious program involving state-of-the-art Microsoft technologies, enhancing modern digital systems in health research.

Utilize and deepen expertise in functional and non-functional testing through exposure to various testing techniques and frameworks.

Play a key role in ensuring high-quality deliverables by designing and executing comprehensive test plans and case scenarios.

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by navigating large amounts of conflicting information and creating effective solutions.

The Health Research Authority (HRA) is seeking a Senior Test Analyst to join its Quality Assurance and Testing team in Newcastle Upon Tyne. This role involves designing and executing test plans for a Microsoft-based technology suite, focusing on system, integration, and user acceptance testing as part of a risk-based approach. Key responsibilities include identifying testable scenarios, developing and executing test cases, communicating findings to stakeholders, and managing defects. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within an agile team to ensure the quality of both internal and supplier-produced products, including major system updates and routine fixes.

As part of the HRA Digital directorate, the Senior Test Analyst will contribute to the development and management of vital national information systems for health research in the UK. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to manage testing activities, and critical evaluation of complex information. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications based on the person specification, as CVs will not be considered.

Quality Assurance and Testing is an important part of the delivery of digital systems within the Health Research Authority. We have a team of skilled test professionals who make sure quality is delivered in the most effective way. We are looking to add testing skills to our existing team as we are part of an ambitious programme that will utilise different functional and non-functional test levels at depth.

As a Senior Test Analyst, you will design and execute test plans, and carry out testing as part of a broader risk-based approach covering system, integration and user acceptance tests for a Microsoft based technology suite.

Some of the key duties for this position are:

- Identify and elaborate testable scenarios for a feature, working with others in a cross functional agile team

- design and execute test cases using standard testing techniques

- communicate test results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

- identify defects, alert the business to them, and help to prioritise them based on defect severity

- Support the head of test in choosing the appropriate testing techniques and frameworks

- think creatively, ask the right questions and critically evaluate and communicate findings to a larger team

- absorb large amounts of conflicting information and use it to determine solutions

This is not an exhaustive list, see the job description for details.

About us
This role sits within HRA Digital. The HRA Digital directorate is responsible for developing, delivering and supporting complex solutions within the HRAs portfolio of national information systems for health research. This includes a major programmeto build a new Integrated Research Application and Workflow system and to achievethe successful migration and eventual closure of current systems (IRAS and HARP).

The HRA Digital team is a collaborative, supportive team consisting of HRAemployees, secondees, contractors and vendors.

Senior Test Analyst will be responsible for the execution of test activities within the HRA Digital Directorate. This will involve the planning and coordination of testing activities of key national information systems for health research in the UK managed by the Health Research Authority (HRA). The test analysis and planning activity undertaken will include discovery capture, test definition and the estimation of test effort, as part of a broader risk-based approach within functional and non-functional testing.

The Senior Test Analyst will ensure that all products delivered both internally and by suppliers, including significant update releases and routine fixes, are thoroughly tested, and accepted before delivery into live service. They will be required to manage and coordinate the system, system integration and user acceptance testing in line with the HRAs practices and procedures. They will also have the primary responsibility for writing, debugging and refactoring test scenarios and scripts for end to end testing as outlined in HRA's test strategy.

To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached.

In submitting your application with us, please note the following:

We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.

We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under anysponsorship arrangement.

Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered.

The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficientnumber of applications.

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

Here are 5 questions you could be asked if you apply for this job: Start practice interview... NEW!

1. Can you describe your experience in designing and executing test plans, particularly within a risk-based approach?

2. What standard testing techniques have you utilised in previous roles, and how did they contribute to the overall quality of the digital systems?

3. How do you approach identifying and elaborating testable scenarios while collaborating with a cross-functional agile team?

4. Could you share an example of a particularly challenging defect you identified? How did you alert the business and prioritize it based on severity?

5. Describe your experience with Microsoft-based technology suites. What challenges have you faced when testing these systems?

1. Can you describe your experience in designing and executing test plans, particularly within a risk-based approach?

2. What standard testing techniques have you utilised in previous roles, and how did they contribute to the overall quality of the digital systems?

3. How do you approach identifying and elaborating testable scenarios while collaborating with a cross-functional agile team?

4. Could you share an example of a particularly challenging defect you identified? How did you alert the business and prioritize it based on severity?

5. Describe your experience with Microsoft-based technology suites. What challenges have you faced when testing these systems?

Useful skills for a Senior Test Analyst: Click to view

To work as a Senior Test Analyst in the UK, you should possess a combination of technical skills, analytical abilities, and soft skills. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Technical Skills:

1. Testing Methodologies:

- Strong understanding of various testing methodologies, including manual testing, automated testing, regression testing, integration testing, and performance testing.

2. Automation Tools:

- Proficiency in test automation tools such as Selenium, QTP, JUnit, TestNG, or Cucumber.

3. Programming/Scripting Languages:

- Familiarity with programming languages (like Java, Python, JavaScript, or C#) to create automated test scripts.

4. Test Management Tools:

- Experience with test management tools like JIRA, ALM/QC, or TestRail for tracking and managing test cases and defects.

5. Defect Tracking:

- Knowledge of defect tracking tools and processes.

6. API Testing:

- Experience in API testing using tools like Postman, SoapUI, or REST Assured.

7. Database/SQL:

- Strong skills in working with databases and proficiency in SQL to validate data and perform backend testing.

8. Continuous Integration/Delivery:

- Experience with CI/CD tools (like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or Azure DevOps) and understanding of DevOps practices.

9. Performance Testing:

- Familiarity with performance testing tools (e.g., LoadRunner, JMeter) and methods.

Analytical Skills:

1. Problem Solving:

- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose problems effectively.

2. Attention to Detail:

- A keen eye for detail to identify inconsistencies and issues in software products.

3. Critical Thinking:

- Ability to think critically about test coverage and risk management.

Soft Skills:

1. Communication:

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey testing results to stakeholders.

2. Collaboration:

- Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate with developers, product owners, and other stakeholders.

3. Mentorship:

- Experience in mentoring and training junior test analysts when required.

4. Time Management:

- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

5. Adaptability:

- Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and technologies in a fast-paced environment.

Educational Background & Experience:

- Education: Typically, a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

- Experience: Several years of experience in software testing, with a proven track record of increasing responsibility and complexity.

Certifications (Optional):

- Test management and certification can enhance your profile, such as ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) certification, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or certifications specific to tools/technologies you are using.

Additional Considerations:

- Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in software testing and being proactive in learning new skills can provide an advantage.

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