Job Description

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.



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



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.



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).



Security Clearance Level Requirement



Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.