Analytical Chemist (Higher Radiation Protection Scientist)

Job summary

We are looking to recruit either a trainee radiochemist at radiation protection scientist (EO) grade or an experienced radiochemist at higher radiation protection scientist (HEO) grade. For those without experience in radiochemistry, a strong background in science and laboratory skills will be sufficient as we will provide full support through a structured training programme to reach HEO grade.

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).

Working for your organisation

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

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake radiochemical analysis and/or instrumental analysis in support of current commercial contracts
• Project Manage defined programmes, or provide Deputy Project Manager support, for larger contracts. Manage defined areas of development projects within RG, Liaise with Team/Group Leaders and customers on the progress of these projects
• Prepare customer reports and communicate results to customers
• Contribute to development of testing protocols for both commercial and emergency samples
• Undertake other duties in support of UKHSA Glasgow’s emergency response preparedness and commercial activities (e.g. environmental sample collection).
• Work with senior analysts to prepare new analytical protocols. Contribute to the accreditation process and staff training for new procedures as required
• Manage other staff within the team, if required.
• Ensure their work satisfies all applicable QA requirements
• Undertake broader corporate tasks as directed by the Group Leader and/or Head of Department

The postholders will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

Internal

• Line Manager (daily)
• Team Leader (daily)
• Group Leader (weekly)
• Administrative staff (weekly)
• Wider UKHSA staff (as required)

External

• Customers (weekly)
• Sample Suppliers (weekly)
• Instrument manufacturers (weekly)

Main Duties

Note: These reflect the expectations for an experienced radiochemist. For those recruited as trainee radiochemists the on-the-job training is matched to these core duties and responsibilities.

• The postholder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based analysis and/or instrumental analysis on environmental and industrial samples in support of RG’s commercial contracts
• They will be assisting Project Managers either by leading on managing defined areas of large monitoring programmes or providing support as Deputy Project Manager for large commercial contracts, as directed by the Group Leader
• The postholder will also contribute to the development of new analytical protocols or other developmental work in support of RG’s primary roles, undertaking developmental analysis under the direction of the project lead, introducing new working procedures and preparation of validation reports
• The postholder will be a Line Manager for some staff within the Team, if deemed necessary by the RG Group Leaders
• The postholder may also be asked to undertake more general corporate duties, in areas such as safety management, environmental management or radioactivity management

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Graduate level in chemistry or a related discipline
• Good experience in either chemical and/or radiochemical analysis, or instrumental analysis
• Experience of working in a strong quality-focussed environment
• Good MS Office skills, the ability to produce clear well-structured written material, and excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to multitask whilst keeping to agreed deadlines, often working under pressure with competing priorities
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
• Current UK driving licence (or equivalent) and availability to work away from base occasionally

Desirable criteria

• Experience in contributing to development or application projects
• Good problem-solving skills and adaptability to rapidly changing demands

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 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

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1250 word supporting statement

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.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (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).

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. Please do not exceed 1250 words.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

1. Meets all essential criteria

1. Meets some essential criteria

1. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Graduate level in chemistry or a related discipline
• Good experience in either chemical and/or radiochemical analysis, or instrumental analysis

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Success Profiles - GOV.UK

Interview and Assessment Process
The key difference between being offered a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) or Executive Officer (EO) position is the level of relevant knowledge, experience, and responsibility you have demonstrated in previous roles.

During the interview, the panel will assess your suitability based on your responses to strengths, behaviours, and technical questions.

HEO Assessment Criteria
To be considered successful at HEO level, candidates must achieve:

• A score above 4 in Behaviours, and Technical question

Candidates who meet the required standard will be ranked according to their overall interview scores. The highest-scoring candidate will be offered the HEO position. Any other successful candidates will be placed in the HEO talent pool.
If no candidates meet the HEO standard, interviews will then be assessed against the EO job description criteria.

EO Assessment Criteria
To be considered successful at EO level, candidates must achieve:

• A score above 4 in Behaviours, and Technical questions

Candidates who meet the EO standard will be ranked based on their overall scores. The highest-scoring candidate will be offered the EO/HEO fluid-graded position, with other successful candidates placed in the EO/HEO talent pool.

Interview Details
You will be invited to attend a single face-to-face interviewat UKHSA Glasgow. In exceptional circumstances, a remote interview may be offered.

Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Changing and Improving (lead behaviour)
• Delivering at Pace
• Working together

Strengths will be assessed via strength based questions.

Technical skills will be assessed by Technical based questions.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Additional Information

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Glasgow. You will be required to have 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.

Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Executive Officer (EO)
• £28,547- £33,196 (National)

Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
• £33,422-£40,731 (National)

Reserve List

If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.

Qualifications and Registrations

For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

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/

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.

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.

If this role is fixed term and you are not currently a Civil Servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment; you may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. If this role is permanent, it may also be available as a loan (for existing Civil Servants only) or secondment arrangement, subject to business need and agreement from the hiring manager and, where applicable, the employee's home organisation.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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) (opens in a new window)
• 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 (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).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 theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.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 : Tom Geldeard
• Email : tom.geldeard@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: 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 for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk