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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
An opportunity exists for a radiological data and assessment assistant in the Radiological and Chemical Sciences (RACS) Group. The group comprises a diverse group of scientists who provide high quality analytical support, data interpretation and scientific advice to a comprehensive portfolio of internal and external, UK and international projects.
Our key radiological programme of work monitors the environment and diet of people who live or work near nuclear and other sites authorised to discharge radioactivity into the environment. From this data, the radiation doses that the general public receives, particularly to the groups of people who are the most exposed because of their age, diet, location, or way of life can be estimated. The results are produced annually in the Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report.
The role involves co-ordinating and collating the radiological monitoring data for our main radiological programmes of work as well as maintaining a resilient and accessible data archive, making use of the Cefas Laboratory Information Management System.
The role also includes using our radiological modelling software designed for emergency response as well as providing supporting data for our radiological dose and risk assessment projects. The role is ideal for someone with strong Excel skills and basic programming skills. Training in programming languages and supporting software tools will be provided. Further opportunities to develop in this role include developing radiological protection skills and radioecology dose tools.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Collating environmental monitoring and dose data for the RIFE report. This includes co-ordinating large data sets, determining radiological dose levels using specific software, and producing accurate and consistent tables and figures for presentation in reports and scientific publications.
- We aspire to automate parts of the data processing using appropriate programming languages and software tools, and the job holder will play a key role in this.
- Assisting in the production of our RIFE report will be a key part of your responsibilities, which includes the provision of data reports to specified deadlines to external partners. Additional to the role involves uploading our main report onto the Gov.uk website in HTML format.
- Collaborating with various external partners and successfully manage their requirements is an important part of the role, along with providing advice, information and data to internal and external partners and scientists.
In addition Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Experience of collating large data sets
- Processing data efficiently with a high level of accuracy.
- Effective organisation and prioritisation skills in a multi-task environment and meeting specified deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to process data efficiently with a high level of accuracy, in order to produce high-quality tables and figures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers.
- A strong internal and external partner focus and the ability to contribute to meetings (on Teams and in person) to build working relationships.
- Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team with strong personal motivation and flexibility.
- Ability to work independently.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Skilled in co-ordinating large data sets in MS Excel.
- Software literate focusing on MS Office including use of VBA.
- Basic coding skills for example, in SQL, Python, VB.Net and Fortran.
Benefits
£6,997 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days’ annul leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen’s birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website Home – Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria (as stated in the person specification section), and the skills required for this vacancy. And a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Changing and improving.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what youll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and personal statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – changing and improving.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour Changing and Improving. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview schedule and details will be confirmed on release of the sift results.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the Behaviours, your Experience and technical skills. You may also be required to give a presentation or to complete an exercise as part of the interview process. You will receive further information with your invitation.
Please be aware that at this time, interviews may take place either in person or remotely.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour Changing and Improving will be used by the panel.
A date has not yet been confirmed for the interviews to take place.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Lowestoft. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Successful candidates are expected to work from one of the laboratory or office locations listed in this advert in order to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business needs.
Cefas as part of Defra are transitioning the existing flexible working policy (in line with other Government Departments) where, subject to business need, up to 40% of the working week may be worked at home, averaged over a month, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
There is a pay award pending as Cefas is yet to finalise and implement the Civil Service Pay Remit 2023/2024 – Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance, 2023 to 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Clare Avieson
- Email : resourcing@cefas.co.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
