Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: 62,434 to 68,677 (dependent on experience)

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Open-ended (permanent)

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE

Closing date: 2025

Together, our scientist, technologists, engineers, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when you're surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.


Based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), Oxfordshire a vacancy exists for a qualified Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) / Radioactive Waste Advisor (RWA) to support STFC's science programmes.


The STFC's widespread and unique application of ionising radiation provides exciting challenges for which, dependent on skills and experience, an attractive salary is offered supported by flexible working conditions and generous pension scheme.


This is a key senior role within the STFC SHE management system and reports directly to the Head of Safety, Health and Environment.

Duties

Provide leadership for radiological safety and related matters at the site Provision of advice and recommendations to management on all obligations under, and compliance with, existing and proposed ionising radiation related legislation and permits. Provide a lead with regulatory authorities on all radiation matters, including but not limited to compliance with and reporting against permits, for example: the HSE; Environment Agency; Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR); Counter Terrorism Safety Adviser etc. Provision of operational radiation protection advice and support to management on all radiation related health and safety, and environmental matters, actively contributing to the development of documented radiation management system - fulfilling the duties of RPA as defined in the STFC radiation management system and as appropriate RWA; Assist in developing and maintaining documented Radiological Risk Assessments for all working involving ionising radiation, undertake and document Critical Examinations for all new sources of ionising radiation (including existing facilities operating under new conditions) and as appropriate undertake radiation surveys thereof. Review, and as appropriate, advise and act on the findings of personal dosimetry and environmental radiation monitoring and provide advice on the selection and use of radiation monitoring equipment. Make recommendations on the design and operation of new facilities and modification of existing facilities with responsibility, and design approval, for all radiation shielding and protection systems, and review and approval for all local rules. Attend and provide quarterly RPA/RWA reports to relevant SHE committees. Undertake audits of the STFC radiation management systems making recommendations to STFC management on compliance and how radiation safety can be improved. Develop and deliver radiation training programmes. Provide coaching and mentorship to STFC and SHE Group staff on radiation matters where appropriate. Undertake radiation shielding and activation calculations/modelling and provide a lead as the intelligent customer with contracted specialist modellers where their services have been engaged. Creatively drive continuous improvement in all activities related to radiological safety management and protection, including consideration of UKRI Net Zero targets. Where agreed, provide RPA/RWA advice to science facilities across UKRI; and Deputise for and/or support other STFC RPA/RWAs as required.

Essential shortlisting criteria

Qualified to degree level in, Physics, or other relevant and numerate disciplines. RPA Certificate of Competence issued by the HSE recognised assessment body. Thorough practical knowledge and understanding of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), including its Approved Code of Practice; the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016; and other ionising radiation related regulations. Experience of working in a radiation protection in the academic or high technology sectors. Practical experience of radiation monitoring, detectors, dosimetry and dose control. Able to work unsupervised, and as part of a small RP team, managing own workload efficiently and reliably. Particularly good interpersonal and communication skills; able to work and influence staff at all levels. Excellent IT skills, including familiarity Microsoft Office programme suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) and databases.

Other requirements

Available to work and travel in the UK and abroad; and Available to work flexibly, including occasionally out of normal working hours or weekend working or telephone contact.
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.


We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.


As one of Europe's largest research organisations, this is a place where there is always something new to learn - about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself.


Join us and discover what's possible by submitting your CV and covering letter which outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for STFC and the role.