Job Description

The Environmental Hazards and Emergencies (EHE) Department provides authoritative scientific advice to government, the NHS and other bodies. EHE's mission is to prepare for and prevent future health security hazards, strengthen capability and to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, and build the UK's capacity on health security for new and long-term exposure to environmental hazards.



The EHE Department comprises of multidisciplinary teams of scientists working across geographically dispersed locations within England and Wales. The department is responsible for providing specialist advice at local, national and international level on the public health impact of acute and chronic non-infectious environmental exposures. Scientists collaborate with academia on research and evidence reviews to underpin this advice, such as via the National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Units (HPRU). Many scientists also sit on cross government and multi-agency expert groups relevant to environmental public health. EHE also provides support to the Department of Health and Social care (DHSC) expert committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP).



The post holder, based in the Air Quality and Public Health group, will work with the team to support the objectives of UKHSA's Cleaner Air programme to develop and share the evidence base on air quality, improve how information on the health impacts of air pollution are communicated; and encourage and support behaviour change at every level.



The post holder will contribute to the development of evidence of expert advice on the mortality and morbidity effects associated with both indoor and outdoor air pollution and the health impacts of interventions aiming to improve air quality.



We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.



UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.



Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers



The bulk of the work will support the delivery of some key tasks, such as:



Support the development of advice on the health effects and risk assessments of air pollutants and effectiveness of air quality interventions.



Contribute to research and peer-reviewed publications on indoor and outdoor air quality as required and in collaboration with other UKHSA departments / directorates and external partners.



Participation in the UKRI funded projects CHILI and INHABIT and in the HPRU Climate Change and Health Security, Theme 3 on Healthy Indoor Environments, assisting in project management and knowledge mobilisation.



Contribution to capacity building, communication and training, both internal and external for developing and disseminating the evidence base for reducing the health impacts of air pollution.



Ensuring all data/ information generated within the air quality work programme is stored in an appropriate manner, ideally in an electronic form consistent with UKHSA's information management policies



The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The post holder may carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.



Professional development



You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.



To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.



KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS



The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA. This will include;



Internal



Daily with members of the Air Quality and Public Health Group.



Frequently with Head of Department.



Frequently with other EHE staff.



Occasionally with other staff in RCCE at all levels (up to and including Directorate).



External



Regularly with collaborating scientists and academics worldwide at a professional level.



Periodically with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Devolved Administrations and other Government Departments and Agencies.



Essential Criteria



Relevant Bachelors or Master's qualification in a relevant science subject (eg Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science) or equivalent level of experience in air pollution, environmental science, toxicology, social science or allied subject



Awareness of the health effects and regulation of air pollutants



Experience of working in air pollution



Use of statistical analysis



Understanding of project management



Skills for project and database management



Holding a driving licence



Selection Process



This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and technical skills.

Stage 1:

Application & Sift



You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:



An application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)



A 1250 word supporting statement.



This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.



The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:



Meets all essential criteria



Meets some essential criteria



Meets no essential criteria



Please note only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:



Holding a driving licence



If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.



Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.



Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2:

Interview (Success Profiles)



You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview



Behaviours and technical skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Communicating and Influencing



Working Together



Working at Pace



You will be asked to prepare and present a 10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to the interview.



Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.



Location



This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Please note that there will regular nationwide travel as part of the role.



We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) at the Didcot campus.



Eligibility Criteria



Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).



Security Clearance Level Requirement



Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.



Successful candidates must also meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed Counter-terrorist Check clearance.



For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.



UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.