Job Description

The Laser and Optical Radiation Dosimetry Group Leader is responsible for leadership, management and operation of the Group, which is part of the Radiation Dosimetry Department within UKHSA's Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate.



The post holder will have relevant specialist experience on the health effects of exposure to optical radiation, acting as a point of authoritative advice. They will manage the transfer of responsibility for the management of a group that plans, designs and executes complex scientific research projects on exposures to optical radiation. The group leader post will not only support but also will include writing scientific papers and reports, giving scientific presentations (including at international forums), representing UKHSA or UK interests at scientific meetings and committees, the provision of training and drafting of UKHSA advice. As such, the post will involve contributions to these duties as may be considered appropriate from time to time, including specifically such areas as:



Provide scientific direction and be a focal point for specialist scientific knowledge on exposures to optical radiation in the Radiation Dosimetry Department.



Oversee and undertake the management of both contract and non-contract projects on exposures to optical radiation.



Direct and manage work on the development, maintenance and application of laboratories and equipment for the assessment of exposures to optical radiation.



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

Your key responsibilities will include to:

Lead and manage the Laser and Optical Radiation Dosimetry Group - staff, research, services, strategic and scientific direction and work programme (including income generating activities).



Provide expert advice within RCCE and to government departments in England, Scotland and Wales on exposures to optical radiation and their implications for public health. This includes supporting colleagues working with expert advisory committees, such as the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment, when they are working on optical radiation.



Work collaboratively across RCCE to build scientific capability and to develop income streams from providing research and technical services in relation to exposures to optical radiation.



Have significant autonomy within their specialist areas of expertise.



Possess skills and experience to lead or advise specialised teams on potentially novel and complex projects for which there is no precedent and where there is a need for adaptive and creative thought.



Occasionally travel, within the UK and overseas may be required.



Some irregular and out of hours working may be required.



The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.



Selection process details



This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.



You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 10 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a :



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



1000-word Statement of Suitability



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



The Application form and Statement of Suitability 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



Piles Meets all essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting:

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



Extensive knowledge in the field of laser and optical radiation dosimetry and related health protection matters including ability to plan, initiate, design and manage all stages of research projects independently



Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.



Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.



Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2:

Interview (competency based)



You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.



Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.



T here will be a 10-minute Presentation at interview, full details will be provided at the shortlisting stage.



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 office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton.



If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.



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 pass a disclosure and barring security check.