Senior Radiation Protection Scientist

The Radiation Hazards and Emergencies Department (RHED) leads UKHSA’s emergency response and preparedness function in case of radiation and nuclear emergencies. It also provides advice and support to external organisations and central Government on issues surrounding emergency response and countermeasures to be taken.

The Radiochemistry Group (RG) has a primary role to provide analytical measurements of environmental and biological samples to support emergency response advice, as well as providing commercial services to a broad range of customers.  The work is performed under accredited systems (ISO 17025, ISO 14001)

The postholder will have a range of duties associated with sampling and analysis of environmental and industrial samples. They will project manage commercial contracts, or significant areas of larger programmes as directed by the Team Leader and have the ability to solve analytical problems. They will lead on Quality Assurance issues associated with these programmes.

Working with Team Leaders, the postholder will use their expertise and experience to contribute to the development of an effective RG service. They will take a leading role in the development of new analytical procedures for both emergency response and environmental samples, including design of development projects, introduction of new procedures, preparation of validation reports and staff training.

This role is being offered on a full time basis.

Location

UKHSA Glasgow, G51 4LS (Lab based)

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Working Pattern – Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Contribute to current commercial contracts e.g. sample collection and analysis, report preparation etc
• Project Manager for commercial contracts, significant programmes within larger contracts and/or development projects within RG.
• Liaise with Team/Group Leaders and customers on the progress of projects.
• Ability to resolve analytical and/or instrumental problems.
• Responsibility for Quality Assurance control within defined areas of work.
• Ensure work is completed to pre-defined timescales and contractual deadlines.
• Lead, as directed, development of testing protocols for both commercial and emergency samples.
• Work, under the direction of the Team Leader, to ensure new protocols are written and implemented, and staff competency has been demonstrated and recorded. Lead the accreditation process for new procedures as required.
• Undertake other duties in support of UKHSA Glasgow’s emergency response preparedness and commercial activities.
• Line manage other staff within the team
• Ensure their work satisfies all applicable QA requirements.
• Undertake broader corporate tasks as directed by the Group Leader and/or Head of Department

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.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

• Graduate level in chemistry or a related discipline
• Good experience in chemical and/or radiochemical analysis
• Experience of working in a formally accredited QA environment
• Experience of line management of staff
• Advanced MS Office skills
• Ability to produce clear well-structured written material.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work on a number of separate tasks at the same time, often independently, whilst keeping to agreed deadlines.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
• Current UK driving licence (or equivalent)
• Availability to work away from base occasionally.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a service focused environment
• Good problem-solving skills and adaptability to rapidly changing demands
• Experience in project management

Good understanding of the principles of analysis for a range of (radio)chemical processes

• 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 average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : UKHSA Recruitment Team
• Email : ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com

Recruitment team

• Email : ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com