Job Description

Details

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Reference number

435006

Salary

28,547 - 35,576
Per annum, pro rata


28,547- 33,196 (National)


30,441- 35,576 (Outer London)
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

2

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 (Oxfordshire), or Leeds

About the job

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Job summary

The provision of highly specialised scientific services, together with scientific research and development work.


These include:

The commercial services of the department: primarily undertaking radiation surveys and other work in support of the dental X-ray protection, radiation protection adviser and non-ionising radiation protection adviser services. Technical, computing and scientific work underpinning the assessment of radiation exposures and development of advice to clients. Specialised scientific projects. These require a wide range of skills depending on the nature and area of work, and may involve scientific measurements, laboratory work and mathematical modelling.

The work requires interpretation of straightforward data and examination of more complex information and willingness to travel within the UK.


We are currently recruiting for 2 Radiation Protection Scientists. One will be based in Leeds and the other will be based in Chilton. Please specify on your supporting statement which location you are interested in.

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Working for your organisation

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.

Job description

Visit dental practices, airports and other commercial clients to carry out technical assessments of X-ray equipment, electromagnetic field generators and lasers. Review technical assessment results, client questionnaires and write assessment reports for all types of radiation generators (including both routine tests and critical examination/acceptance tests). Assist with technical project work in the department. These projects will involve scientific measurements, laboratory work and mathematical modelling. Assess and comment on measurements of doses to dental patients. Support the provision of medical physics expertise to clients on issues such as the optimisation of dental X-ray exposures and quality assurance. Providing recommendations to line managers on potential improvements to technical protocols. Provide technical advice and deal with technical queries from both other staff and clients. Carry out leak tests on client premises and routine preparation and analysis of samples in the counting laboratory. Assist with the testing and maintenance of radiation protection instrumentation. Contribute to the training courses run by the department, by way of assistance with practical/group exercises. Provide monitoring assistance as specified in the RCCE Emergency Plan.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development as a radiation protection scientist will be supported by a comprehensive development scheme geared to the commercial services and emergency response function of the department. 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. 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;

Daily communication with other scientific staff and administrative staff in the department, up to group leader level Occasional communication with scientific staff in other RCCE departments Daily communication with commercial clients at various levels typically from dentists, technicians, workplace supervisors up to management level. Frequently with clients on site during visits to assess radiation equipment and facilities. Periodically with clients when contributing to commercial training events (demonstrating/supervising practical exercises). The post holder will be expected to communicate clearly and effectively with delegates. These will range from shop-floor staff up to senior managers.

Other

Some of these duties will entail working alone and unsupervised, while others will require supervision. The post holder will be expected to carry out accurate scientific work in accordance with established procedures and protocols. This will require understanding of the practices and protocols, and suitable training will be provided to achieve this. The post holder will be required to use complex scientific equipment and will also use a range of IT software including databases and software developed in house. These may be used for record keeping and the calculation of scientific information. The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The duty holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

Person specification

Essential role criteria

Science degree or its equivalent in a science discipline, or significant experience in the scientific support of radiation protection services. Knowledge of Microsoft office packages, especially Word, Access, PowerPoint and Excel. Ability to communicate effectively, formally, informally, orally and in writing to clients, UKHSA staff and representatives from other organisations. Technical competence in making measurements coupled with good numerate ability. Capable of working accurately and consistently in setting up equipment and in making complex measurements. Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines, also able to prioritise the workload. Full UK driving licence. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

Ability to observe and question to gather information and sift it to disregard the irrelevant and identify key issues. Ability to assess complex situations and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation Good organisational skills

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes 8,270 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%

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

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 (8) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 750 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.


Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

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

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

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

Science degree or its equivalent in a science discipline, or significant experience in the scientific support of radiation protection services. Technical competence in making measurements coupled with good numerate ability. Full UK driving licence.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.


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


Feedback will not be provided at this stage.


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.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.


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


There will be a technical assessment as part of the interview, this will be assessing your technical skills and ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel documents. Full details of this will be provided on the day of your interview.


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 - External

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

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton or our office in Leeds. If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum.


Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

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-terrorist Check.


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.

Salary Information

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.


Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location:


Executive Officer (EO)

28,547- 33,196 (National) 30,441- 35,576 (Outer London)

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.

Careers website

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



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 : Gurkamal Bhambra Email : gurkamal.bhambra@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