Higher Radiation Protection Scientist

Job title – Higher Radiation Protection Scientist

Profession – Science

Directorate – Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCE)

Full Time equivalent – 37.5 hours

No of Roles – 1

Contract Type – Permanent

Location – Chilton, Oxfordshire (with potential for flexible working arrangements as per UKHSA policy)

UKHSA offers hybrid working or home working for its employees – this means that whilst the role will be based in one of our UKHSA offices, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business need and in line with departmental policy. Some business travel will be required to other UKHSA offices. 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 /Hybrid Working/ Flexible Working

Grade & Salary – Grade HEO. Outer London banding – £31,070 – £37,829

The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/.

Closing Date – 20/08/2023. 23:55pm. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered

Interview Date – 28/08/2023. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Introduction

At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.

Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.

Job Overview

UKHSA’s Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards directorate (RCE) is part of Science Group: Providing advice, conducting research and delivering services to protect the public from hazards resulting from exposure to chemicals and poisons, ionising and non-ionising radiation, and other environmental hazards. RCE provides a specialist assessment and advice function within UKHSA as a Category 1 responder to radiation and chemical emergencies.

The Radiation Hazards and Emergencies Department is central to RCE’s radiation emergency planning and response role and is comprised of three groups: Emergency Response, Radiochemistry and Internal Dosimetry (ID). Supported by experimental research and development, ID group facilitates the development of appropriate radiation protection standards, advice and capabilities, including those for emergency response, in partnership with national and international expert groups. It should be noted that ID group’s expertise in this area provides an international as well as national focus and also maintains a capability unique in the UK for radiation emergency response.

Main Duties of the Job

• Assist with development, operation and maintenance of the UKHSA’s Body Monitoring Facility for assessment of gamma-emitting radionuclides in people, and the Environmental Gamma Facility for measurement of gamma-emitting radionuclides in environmental and bioassay samples
• Assist with deployment of staff and equipment to Radiation Monitoring Units (RMUs) (which would be set-up to monitor people after a large-scale release of radioactive material)
• Provide support to members of ID group estimating internal doses
• Contribute to specialised scientific contract work for external customers
• Communicate relevant scientific information to non-specialists and members of the public, particularly during emergencies
• Participate in the UKHSA response to radiological emergencies, as necessary, which may include working unsociable hours
• Have a good level of self-motivation and attention to detail as some of these duties will entail working alone and unsupervised.

OTHER

The above is only an outline of the duties and responsibilities required by this role. You will be expected to carry out any other tasks as reasonably may be required by your line manager.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• 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, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

Internal

• Other scientific staff up to Group Leader – daily
• Administrative staff – daily
• Other scientific or operations staff throughout UKHSA – as required
• UKHSA corporate function staff including Business Development, Finance and Facilities – as required

External

• Collaborating scientists nationally and internationally in connection with work related to specialist area – as required
• Members of the public who may have had an intake of radioactive material, who require a measurement; both during routine operations and during an emergency – as required
• Other scientific and technical organisations – as required
• Customers – as required

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality 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.

Essential criteria

• Experience performing Gamma Spectrometry
• Honours Degree in a relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of radiation protection principles
• Knowledge of Microsoft office packages, especially Word, Access and Excel

• Ability to analyse and interpret scientific data
• Experience in writing scientific reports
• Experience of using complex equipment

Desirable criteria

• Attention to detail and ability to remain focused on a task (e.g., when carrying out detailed measurement protocols)
• Good degree of self-motivation and able to work independently and unsupervised
• Ability to form good working relationships with colleagues and customers
• Able to travel within the UK and overseas as required
• Willingness to work outside of normal working hours when required
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships   

• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as the Society for Radiological Protection
• Full Driving Licence

• 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 : sophie rigney
• Email : sophie.rigney@reed.com

Recruitment team

• Email : hradmin@phe.gov.uk