Principal Radiation Protection Scientist

Job summary

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.

The UKHSA Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate protects the public from chemical, radiological and environmental risks, providing expert advice, research and emergency response as a Category 1 responder. Within this, the Radiation Dosimetry Department delivers authoritative advice on optical radiation, electromagnetic fields (EMF), and ionising radiation in medical imaging. Its work includes calibration facilities, exposure assessment, dosimetry research, health risk evaluation, standards development, training, and international collaboration, as well as supporting COMARE.

The Electromagnetic Fields Dosimetry (EMFD) Group focuses on assessing exposure to EMF from technologies such as mobile phones, base stations and power lines. It acts as the UKHSA national contact point for EMF public health advice, contributing to research, policy, standards, and environmental monitoring. The group also develops assessment methodologies, measurement infrastructure, and supports operational services. Its work is based in two Chilton laboratories dedicated to exposure assessment and dielectric research, and involves high-volume, time-sensitive correspondence.

The role leads the group’s research and advisory activities, primarily in radiofrequency EMF, while also covering other frequencies. It involves scientific leadership, rapid response to complex enquiries, contributions to standards and policy, and deputising for the Group Leader.

Job description

UKHSA’s Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate provides advice, research and services to protect the public from chemical, radiological and environmental hazards. It supports UKHSA’s role as a Category 1 responder to radiation and chemical emergencies and delivers specialist assessment, alongside research including work with NIHR Health Protection Research Units.

The Radiation Dosimetry Department provides public health advice on exposure to lasers and optical radiation, electromagnetic fields (EMF), and ionising radiation in medical imaging, and serves as secretariat to COMARE. Its work includes calibration facilities, dosimetry research, exposure assessments, standards development, training, and collaboration with national and international bodies.

The Electromagnetic Fields Dosimetry (EMFD) Group assesses exposure from EMF technologies such as mobile phones, base stations and power lines. It leads UKHSA’s advice on EMF health impacts, contributes to regulations, conducts research and monitoring, develops exposure assessment methods, and supports measurement infrastructure.

Based in Chilton, the Group operates two laboratories and manages high volumes of time-critical work. This role leads research and advisory activities, mainly at radiofrequencies, and supports the Group Leader.

• Initiate, plan, lead and deliver specialist research or advisory projects on electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, including experimental and numerical dosimetry, managing others as required.
• Lead development and maintenance of UKHSA advice on EMF exposure, including website content.
• Prepare scientific reviews for UKHSA publications and provide consultancy input and secretariat support to advisory committees (e.g. COMARE).
• Provide advice on NSIPs and respond to enquiries from officials, the public, industry and stakeholders.
• Support the Group Leader with management duties, including health and safety risk assessments, audits and business development.
• Maintain numerical simulation platforms, including updates and upgrades.
• Manage specialist measurement facilities and equipment for experimental dosimetry, ensuring safe use and supervising others.
• Produce scientific reports and peer reviewed publications.
• Deliver presentations at national/international conferences, training courses, and represent UKHSA externally.
• Support UKHSA emergency response, typically as an operations support manager within RCCE emergency cells.
• Occasional irregular hours and UK/overseas travel required.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.
• Job description may be reviewed in line with organisational needs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Identify and address development needs through appraisal and training.
• Complete all mandatory training (e.g. fire safety, information governance).

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including:

• Regular interaction with Group Leader, Head of Department and RCCE staff.
• Frequent engagement across RCCE Directorates, other departments and Health Protection Operations.
• Stakeholders including government departments, devolved administrations, industry, local authorities, NHS and professional bodies, often acting independently.
• Members of the public within their area of expertise.
• Equipment suppliers and contractors.
• National and international organisations in radiation protection; occasionally acting as sole UKHSA or UK representative with a high degree of autonomy.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health / health protection discipline or equivalent experience in electromagnetic field (EMF) dosimetry, radiation physics, bioelectromagnetics, or a closely related scientific discipline, demonstrated through a substantial track record of independent research, peer-reviewed publications, and recognised technical expertise.
• Post-doctoral experience sufficient to undertake experimental and numerical EMF dosimetry research with minimal input from line management.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge within the area of experimental dosimetry, sufficient to be acknowledged nationally and internationally.
• Experience in scientific project management and co-ordinating collaborative work with UKHSA and non-UKHSA scientists.
• Extensive experience in publishing scientific reports and peer-reviewed papers.
• Experience in giving presentations at national /international scientific meetings and conferences.
• Ability to interpret and explain the relevance of empirical findings in a wider multidisciplinary context for discussion at meetings, conferences and publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Experience in planning and execution of complex scientific projects, identifying and managing risks appropriately.
• Confident and proficient in the use of scientific data analysis software.
• Working knowledge of Information Governance i.e. freedom of information and data protection.
• Able to manipulate equipment and perform experiments in the EMF laboratory.
• Able to operate a DSE workstation.
• Able to load/unload measurement equipment from vehicles when performing surveys
• Current full UK driving licence and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• Theoretical and practical knowledge within the area of numerical dosimetry, sufficient to be acknowledged nationally and internationally
• Experience in the appropriate use of specialised EMF measurement equipment, including network analysers, spectrum analysers and field probes.
• Experience in the use of specialised EMF numerical simulation platforms, including device and process design and interactions with anatomical phantoms.
• Comprehensive understanding of the health and safety aspects of running an experimental dosimetry laboratory.
• An understanding of risk management in the context of health and safety legislation.
• Broad knowledge of a wide range of Health protection/Public health related topics.
• Knowledge of QA procedures and audits.
• Training/experience in emergency response.
  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,340, UK Health Security Agency contributes £16,901 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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/Experience/Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 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. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

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

If used, the piles ‘Meets all essential criteria’ and ‘Meets some essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

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

• Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health / health protection discipline or equivalent experience in electromagnetic field (EMF) dosimetry, radiation physics, bioelectromagnetics, or a closely related scientific discipline, demonstrated through a substantial track record of independent research, peer-reviewed publications, and recognised technical expertise.
• Post-doctoral experience sufficient to undertake experimental and numerical EMF dosimetry research with minimal input from line management.
• Experience in planning and execution of complex scientific projects, identifying and managing risks appropriately.

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 & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at Chilton (Didcot), OX11 0RQ.

If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours/Strengths/Experience/Technical skills will be tested at interview.

There will be a 5-7 min presentation on the latest technical project you have delivered. Further information will be provided to candidates at interview stage.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Seeing the big picture (Lead Behaviour)
• Communication and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at pace

Interviews dates are 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.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton (Didcot). 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.

Based at our scientific campus, 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.

Eligibility Criteria

External: 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.

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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

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.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a 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

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 : Timor Miakhel
• Email : timor.miakhel@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: Home - Civil Service Commission

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/8070907