Job Description

Details

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Reference number

441207

Salary

58,340 - 68,574
Per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Grade 7

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

Radiation, Chemical, Climate & Environmental Hazards - Laser & Optical Radiation Dosimetry

Type of role

Science

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Chilton Scientific Campus, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0QX

About the job

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Job summary

We are looking for a Principal Radiation Protection Scientist to lead on the Laser and Optical Radiation Dosimetry Group's research and advisory work, with the objective of improving knowledge and evidence-based public health protection for optical radiation exposures.


The Principal Radiation Protection Scientist will have significant autonomy within their role as an expert on optical radiation exposures, standards and dosimetry, contributing to evaluation of complex information from a number of sources and communicating with professionals and scientists inside UKHSA and in outside organisations, including in other countries.


The Principal Radiation Protection Scientist role will involve contributions to these duties as may be considered appropriate from time to time, including specifically such areas as:

Initiate, plan, lead and execute specialist research and advisory projects related to the assessment of exposure to optical radiation, including experimental dosimetry, managing the work of others as necessary. Develop advisory materials on exposure to optical radiation, e.g. on the UKHSA website, directed towards external stakeholders in government, industry and elsewhere. Prepare scientific review material for UKHSA publications, including consultancy input and secretariat support for advisory and other high-level committees, e.g. the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE).

Job description

Prepare and disseminate advice in response to enquiries from public officials, members of the public, industry and other stakeholders. Assist the Group Leader in conducting general management duties, for example in carrying out health and safety risk assessments, quality assurance audits and preparing proposals for new business opportunities. Preparing authoritative scientific reports and papers for publication. Prepare and deliver scientific presentations at national and international conferences and for training courses. Represent UKHSA at local, national and international meetings. Provide support in UKHSA emergency response activities, typically at the level of operations support manager of one of the Directorate's emergency cells.

Professional Development

Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training/development needs with your line manager through appraisal/individual development plan. Attending internal/external training events. Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

Key Working Relationships

The Principal Radiation Protection Scientist 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, subject to transition:

Internal

Daily with Group Leader, Head of Department and other scientific and administrative staff throughout the Directorate. Frequently with the Directorate. Frequently with staff in other Departments in the Directorate (up to Heads of Department) including corporate function staff. Frequently with staff in Health Protection Operations.

External

Customers and stakeholders for advice and research projects including Government Departments and Agencies, Devolved Administrations, commercial organisations, local authorities, NHS, advisory and professional bodies, training organisations. This includes staff up to Directorate level and from a variety of professional backgrounds. This may take place on client's premises with the post holder acting alone. Members of the public to answer queries in the post-holder's specialist area of expertise. Equipment suppliers and contractors delivering outsourced elements of projects. Regularly with national or international level contacts from a range of government, regulatory, UK and international technical standards bodies (e.g. IEC, CIE, BSI), academic, research or advisory organisations who have senior roles in radiation protection. The post holder may be required to be the sole representative of UKHSA or occasionally UK and thus will require a high degree of autonomy.

Occasional travel within the UK and overseas may be required. Some irregular and out of hours working may also be required.


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


The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health/health protection discipline or equivalent experience. Post-doctoral experience sufficient to undertake optical radiation dosimetry research including ability to plan, initiate, design and manage all stages of research projects independently. Extensive knowledge in the field of optical radiation assessments and related public health protection matters. Experience in scientific project management and co-ordinating collaborative work with UKHSA and non-UKHSA participants. Extensive experience in publishing scientific reports and peer-reviewed papers. Experience in giving presentations at national/international scientific meetings and conferences. Ability to interpret and explain the relevance of empirical findings in a wider multidisciplinary context. Experience in planning and execution of complex scientific projects, identifying and managing risks appropriately. Comprehensive understanding of the health and safety aspects of running an experimental dosimetry laboratory. Broad knowledge of a wide range of Health protection/Public health related topics. Confident and proficient in use of scientific data analysis software. Working knowledge of Information Governance, i.e. freedom of information and data protection. Able to manipulate equipment and perform experiments in the laboratories and field surveys. Able to operate a DSE workstation. Able to load/unload measurement equipment from the vehicle when performing surveys. Current full UK driving license and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

An understanding of risk management in the context of health and safety legislation. Knowledge of QA procedures and audits. Training/experience in emergency response.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 58,340, UK Health Security Agency contributes 16,901 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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: UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

Things you need to know

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Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency.


At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential Criteria listed in the job advert.


You will be required to complete an:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) Up to a 1,000-word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than insert word count 1,000 words.


This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.


The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.


The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV - please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.

Longlisting

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

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria

We will take through 'Meets all essential criteria' and 'Meets some essential criteria'.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist against the lead criteria as follows:

Extensive knowledge in the field of optical radiation assessments and related public health protection matters. Experience in scientific project management and co-ordinating collaborative work with UKHSA and non-UKHSA participants. Extensive experience in publishing scientific reports and peer-reviewed papers. Ability to interpret and explain the relevance of empirical findings in a wider multidisciplinary context.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview.

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.


This vacancy is being assessed using Competency. During the interview we will assess you against the below:

Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be:

Optical Radiation and Public Health

Once this job is 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).

Salary

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at Chilton Scientific Campus, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX.


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) working at our Chilton scientific campus.


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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

DBS Requirement:

Basic DBS

For this role you will also need to meet:

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. 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.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.


You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.


Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.


Link below:


Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

Internal Fraud Check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details - name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .



See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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

Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : Sarah Handy Email : sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.




If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk




If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/v7671803