Job Description

Details

-----------


###

Reference number

402863
###

Salary

42,758 - 48,543
Per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
###

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer###

Contract type

Permanent###

Type of role

Science###

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

------------

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

Location

------------


Didcot, South East England, OX11 0RQ

About the job

-----------------

###

Job summary

The Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCCE) provides evidence and advice to protect health from Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards. To support evidence-anchored advice for Health Security, RCCE undertakes research work with various university partners and other organisations including within Health Protection Research Units (HPRUs) supported by the National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR).


The Toxicology Department provides Public Health advice to other parts of RCCE, the Department of Health and Social Care and other government departments and agencies, Local Authorities and other stakeholders including members of the public on the risks to health from environmental hazards (chemicals, particles and bioaerosols). The Toxicology Department undertakes research that underpins chemical regulation and policy development. All of the research underpins the UKHSA role in public health protection from environmental hazards.


The Experimental Toxicology programme within the Toxicology Department undertakes experimental activities using in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the impacts of exposures to chemicals and other environmental pollutants (e.g. nanoparticles, air pollutants, bioaerosols, microplastics) on human health, including to those with pre-existing conditions (e.g. asthma). The programme also undertakes research to develop and validate test methods for hazard characterisation and assessment of chemicals to support regulatory objectives for chemicals, with a focus on new approach methodologies (NAMs).


The post is a predominantly laboratory based scientific research role. Based within the Experimental Toxicology Programme of the Toxicology Department at RCCE on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, the post will work in health effects from chemical and biological exposures primarily from the air (inhalation route). The post holder will be expected to provide highly specialized scientific services and undertake complex research studies in support of the work of the Experimental Toxicology Programme.

###

Job description

Laboratory work and scientific functions in support of the work of the Experimental Toxicology Programme. In particular:

Contribute to, and take responsibility for, specific aspects of the design, development and operation of the group's laboratory facilities and equipment. In particular in relation to aerosol production and measurement. Undertake Health and Safety activities as required by Programme Lead, including those relating to the safe use of radioactive sources. Undertake experimental work to explore aspects of the behaviour of aerosols, in particular nanoparticle aerosols. Contribute to the management and undertaking of research projects including: planning, experimental design, protocols/procedures and data analysis. Manage some research projects or parts of large projects. Collaborate with internal and external collaborators in the undertaking of specific experiments. Contribute to the development of proposals for funding with internal and external collaborators. Produce sound scientific papers for external peer reviewed publication and give presentations up to and including at international level. Assist in the production of advice/standards related to the results of research
Manage junior members of staff and supervise PhD/MSc students undertaking associated work.
Procure, commission, deploy and in some cases design and project manage the build/acquisition of specialist equipment. Undertake specific development tasks for the Programme Lead as required. Contribute to RCCE/UKHSA general activities for sharing skills and knowledge, both within RCCE/UKHSA and more widely.

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.

###

Person specification

Essential criteria

2:1 or above honours degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or Mathematics or equivalent work experience in an aerosol science related role Relevant practical MSc in aerosol science, or in a subject/area with a significant aerosol science component Experience in techniques used for the measurement of aerosol characteristics General laboratory skills and experimental design skills (e.g. capable of working accurately and consistently in setting up equipment and in making complex measurements, technical competence in taking measurements coupled with good numeracy) Ability to communicate effectively at all levels (formally and informally), orally and in writing with other employees, representatives from collaborating institutes, relevant departments and other organisations. This may require presenting technically complicated information to non-technical staff and members of the public Ability to assess novel situations and applications by applying fundamental scientific principles Ability to observe and question: to gather information and sift it to disregard the irrelevant and identify key issues, and assess complex situations and interpret detailed documents Able to assess and respond effectively to unpredictable situations An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Benefits

------------


Alongside your salary of 42,758, UK Health Security Agency contributes 12,386 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

---------------------------

###

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 9 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 and Meets some essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting:

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

Relevant practical MSc in aerosol science, or in a subject/area with a significant aerosol science component

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.


There will be a 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 hybrid working based at our office/lab in Chilton.


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).


If based at one of our labs you will be required to have a minimum of 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).

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/

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Organisation info

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

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.

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.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.



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

Security

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.###

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.###

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

---------------------------------


The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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

####

Job contact :

Name : Harry McCullagh Email : harry.mccullagh@ukhsa.gov.uk
####

Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk ###

Further information

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/