Job Description

We are looking for an experienced radiation protection professional to lead a group of radiological assessment experts in the Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCCE). The role involves leading a group focused on the assessment of planned exposures from environmental radioactivity. This dynamic and broad work area aims to protect the public from radiation hazards relating to permitted discharges, transport, and disposal.



You will lead a group developing and applying environmental assessment models to estimate the exposure of humans and the environment to radioactivity released to the environment. The group also works with software that we have developed and sold commercially and provides training to its users. As the group leader, you will be the key focus for collaboration with government, industry and international organisations such as IAEA, ICRP, NEA and UNSCEAR developing guidance and knowledge that will have national and international influence. The group's work is also published as research findings in journals, reports and other publications.



We are looking for candidates with a strong background in a scientific discipline with established experience of radiation protection, and who have the potential to successfully lead and develop a group of radiological protection experts. You will also need to have good communication and teamwork skills, as well as a high level of initiative and creativity.



Lead and manage a group in the Radiation Assessments department - staffing, research, services, strategic and scientific direction and work programme (including income generating activities)



Ensure that RCCE maintains an effective planned exposures assessment capability in this specialist area across a whole range of planned exposure situations. This will include the maintenance of skills within the group for planned exposure assessments and associated radiation protection matters as well as a requirement to train and develop staff as required to ensure effective support to this function



Lead for RCCE in support of the international work in which UKHSA is participating in radiation assessment-related activities and related public protection matters by representing the organisation on a range of international/national and internal working groups and committees



Assume a lead role in emergency response



Provide expert advice within RCCE and to government departments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on radiation assessments and public protection matters



Pursue the commercial exploitation of software developed for planned exposures and radiation assessment calculations



Have significant autonomy within their specialist areas of expertise.



Contribute to the management of the Radiation Assessments Department including representing the Head of Department as appropriate



This is not an exhaustive list, please see Job description document for full list of duties



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



UKHSA is the UK's primary authority carrying out research to advance knowledge and providing guidance and services on the protection from the risks of radiation. The job is within the Radiation Assessments Department which supports UKHSA's mission to protect people from ionising radiation, by advising on exposures and protection standards.



The Department assesses the health impacts to the public due to ionising radiation in the environment. To do this effectively, radiation doses from past, present and possible future sources of radiation must be evaluated. A significant part of the Department's work involves developing, applying and maintaining the models or tools to estimate these radiation doses. We provide a range of scientific and technical research, training and software products to government, industry and others. Our areas of focus include emergency planning and response, permitted releases of radionuclides into the environment and solid waste management and disposal, contaminated land, and transport of radioactive waste.



The post holder will have relevant experience in the field of radiation assessments, acting as a point of authoritative advice. They will manage a group that plans, designs and executes complex scientific research projects on assessments of radiation on members of the public including associated mathematical modelling. The post 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.

Specifically, the post holder will:

Provide scientific direction and be a focal point for specialist scientific knowledge in the Radiation Assessments Department.



Oversee and manage both contract and non-contract projects.



Direct and manage work on the development, maintenance and application of models and tools for estimating the consequences of releases of radioactivity to the environment, especially in planned exposure situations.



Undertake and manage assessments of the radiological impact of radioactive releases especially in planned exposure situations.



In the event of a radiation emergency, lead one of UKHSA's response teams providing expert advice supporting incident management.



Essential Criteria



Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health / health protection discipline or equivalent experience.

Post-doctoral or similar experience sufficient to undertake all aspects of research or health protection projects with minimal supervision

Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments

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

Excellent understanding of radiation protection

Training and experience in project management

Experience of managing scientific or similar projects with a number of internal and external collaborators within own area of expertise

Experience in writing scientific papers for peer reviewed journal and presenting research findings at national/international scientific conferences with large audiences

Training and experience in radiation emergency preparedness (real emergencies or exercises) in a specialist or defined role with ability to develop into the team leader role

Information technology experience including familiarity with standard office software and specialist software related to the tasks of the job

Proven experience of managing scientific staff plus attendance at formal and practical management training e.g. supervisory skills, time management

Strong negotiation and influencing skills applied to a range of scientific, business and management tasks.

Strong skills in numerical and/or information analysis, problem solving and developing novel solutions for scientific, business and management problems.

High degree of self-motivation and able to work independently and to take responsibility for own technical work and time.

Ability to produce clear well-structured written or presentational material for different audiences, including scientific, government departments and decision makers, and the general public, by way of different media eg reports, business proposals, peer-reviewed papers, briefings and correspondence

Ability to understand how own specialist field interacts with wider radiation protection issues, and work of RAD interacts with wider work of UKHSA.

Ability to motivate others and act as a role model and mentor for more junior staff

Ability to work on a number of separate tasks at the same time, whilst keeping to agreed deadlines

Be able to work irregular hours when required



An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships



Selection Process



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

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 1500 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 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



Please note only applications meeting all the essential criteria will be moved through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

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



Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments



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.



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



Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.



Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2:

Interview



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



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



There will be a presentation.



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



Eligibility Criteria



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



Location



This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton, Oxfordshire. 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) on site at Chilton.



Security Clearance Level Requirement



Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.



Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).



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.