Senior Radiation Protection Scientist

Job summary

The Cytogenetics Group is one of the five research groups in the Radiation Effects Department of the Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCED). The Radiation Effects Department carries out research and delivers advice on the biological effects of radiation and selected chemical agents, and on appropriate response to incidents. The Cytogenetics Group carries out research into biomarkers to quantify ionising radiation exposures. The group also provides a biodosimetry service unique in the UK (Radiation Protection Services - UKHSA Chromosomal Dosimetry Services: ukhsa-protectionservices.org.uk). Some work on biomarkers of chemical exposure is also included.

We are currently seeking a Senior Radiation Protection Scientist who is an experienced, skilled, and motivated individual to lead on/perform activities related to cytogenetics and biodosimetry, including analysis of scientific data, or has a biological/related background with a strong interest and proven experience in cytogenetics, biodosimetry or statistical analysis and/or an interest/proven aptitude in developing these skills.

Job description

The postholder will provide support to senior scientists and the group and department as a whole to support cytogenetics, biodosimetry and commercial activities including leading the Chromosome Dosimetry Service.

The postholder will lead and support a wide range of existing and future research projects across a number of topics related to, but not limited to, cytogenetics, biodosimetry and DNA damage repair.

Other duties include:

• Actively seek funding opportunities contributing to development of research proposals and writing of grant applications under the guidance of the Group Leader, including going through UKHSA’s system of approval for project submissions.
• Lead on relevant research projects applying cellular biological methods relevant to the Group’s current areas of research using appropriate technologies, including biodosimetry assays (dicentrics, micronuclei, ƴH2AX, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), flow cytometry to immuno-histochemistry.
• Generate sound lab data in support of research projects, to independently analyse and interpret complex scientific data sets using appropriate software tools.
• Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications related to the Group’s areas of scientific research.
• Present research findings at internal UKHSA, national and international meetings/conferences.
• Recognise potential implications of observations and potential paths for future novel research.
• Manage aspects of the lab and new team members including training/supervision of students and visiting workers.
• Design and collaborate on research projects relevant to the group’s research interests.
• Assist the lab manager with regular checks on maintenance of equipment and laboratory safety procedures.
• Show initiative in problem solving, overcoming obstacles and interpreting complex experimental data, seeing the big picture of how biodosimetry can be used in real-life situations of radiation overexposure.
• Contribute to teaching of undergraduate, masters & PhD students.
• Contribute to radiation and wider emergency response activities of UKHSA through internal/external exercising.
• Assist with monitoring of lab stocks & finances.
• Be able to work alone, unsupervised.
• Undertake peer reviews of submitted publications prepared by outside individuals as required by journals.
• Participate/contribute directly to regular Group discussions/meetings.
• Contribute to teaching of undergraduate, masters & PhD students.
• Contribute to radiation and wider emergency response activities of UKHSA through internal/external exercising.
• Assist with monitoring of lab stocks & finances.
• Be able to work alone, unsupervised.
• Undertake peer reviews of submitted publications prepared by outside individuals as required by journals.
• Participate/contribute directly to regular Group discussions/meetings.

Some of these duties will entail working alone and unsupervised while others will require supervision. The postholder will be expected to carry out accurate scientific work in accordance with established procedures and protocols. Input to method/protocol development and troubleshooting is also expected. This will require a good understanding and level of knowledge of the methods and underlying principles as well as technical and analytical skills. Suitable training will be provided to allow the postholder to develop their skills and any personal development within the role.

Training

Providing assistance in practical exercises and demonstrations, including work experience students, undergraduate visitors and public and patient engagement and involvement activities. Continue to develop skills and qualifications related to statistical analysis and data evaluation.

Emergency Response

Active participation in the UKHSA’s response to radiological emergencies, in accordance with the roles described in the RCCE Emergency Plan. These roles will include logistics support, monitoring control team, cytogenetics team and support to the incident director.

This position is for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with previous relevant experience in biological dosimetry and/or data analysis to provide support to senior scientists whilst developing their own skills and experience to become an independent scientist in their own right. The successful candidate will lead and contribute towards existing and future research projects across a number of topics related to biological dosimetry.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

The above is not an exhaustive list and is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and the UKHSA.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Degree level qualification in biological sciences or a related discipline.
• Post-graduate degree and / or equivalent or significant experience related to biology, physics or data science, or equivalent experience.
• Experience of analysing and presenting complex information in a variety of formats to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in biological dosimetry techniques and/or related experimental work.
• Understanding of radiobiology and radiation protection.
• Experience of dealing with radiobiological data and an understanding of uncertainties.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing reports; making scientific and more public-facing presentations, and an ability to form and maintain productive and working relationships.
• Excellent project management and planning skills, including good time management and ability to prioritise, work under pressure and work to tight deadlines.
• Experience of independently leading projects.
• Ability to meet deadlines and strong problem-solving skills and using initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a team.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of teaching/training students.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,148, UK Health Security Agency contributes £12,789 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%

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: UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

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 Competency.

Application & Sift

At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• Up to 1,000 word Supporting Statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500, but your Supporting Statement must be no more than 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over 1,000 words.

Your Supporting Statement should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and Supporting Statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV – 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.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all Essential Criteria
• Meets some Essential Criteria
• Meets no Essential Criteria

Only those that meet "all Essential Criteria" will progress to Shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria:

• Experience in biological dosimetry techniques and/or related experimental work.

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

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Interview location and dates to be confirmed.

During the interview we will assess your knowledge, experience, skills and abilities based on the Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Salary Information

SEO Outer: £44,148 - £50,121 per annum, pro rata

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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Chilton Scientific Campus, Didcot, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX.

Please note, hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

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

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.

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

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 : Sarah Handy
• Email : sarah.handy@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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: 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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

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