What are the responsibilities and job description for the Higher Radiation Protection Scientist position at UK Health Security Agency?
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Glasgow. If based at one of our labs, 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.
Job Summary
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)
Job Description
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 Leaders. 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 group, 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.
Internal
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 Leaders. 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 group, 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.
Internal
Person specification
Essential Role Criteria
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
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
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
This vacancy is using Success Profiles.
At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential skills listed in the job advert.
You Will Be Required To Complete An:
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)
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large amount of applications, we will sift on:
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview..
This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. During the interview we will assess you against the below:
Behaviours:
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 internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Glasgow. If based at one of our labs, 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.
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Link: Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers
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 https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.
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.
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:
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.
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 the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a 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 :
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
Job Summary
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)
Job Description
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 Leaders. 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 group, 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.
- 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
Internal
- Line Manager (daily)
- Team Leader (daily)
- Group Leader (weekly)
- Administrative staff (weekly)
- Wider UKHSA staff (as required)
- Customers (weekly)
- Sample Suppliers (weekly)
- Instrument manufacturers (weekly)
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 Leaders. 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 group, 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.
- 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
Internal
- Line Manager (daily)
- Team Leader (daily)
- Group Leader (weekly)
- Administrative staff (weekly)
- Wider UKHSA staff (as required)
- Customers (weekly)
- Sample Suppliers (weekly)
- Instrument manufacturers (weekly)
Person specification
Essential Role 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
- Ability to produce clear well-structured written material
- 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)
- Availability to work away from base occasionally
- Experience in contributing to development or application project
- Good problem-solving skills and adaptability to rapidly changing demands
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
- Developing Self and Others
- 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%
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
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
This vacancy is using Success Profiles.
At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential skills listed in the job advert.
You Will Be Required To Complete An:
- Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- (up to 1500 number of words) word supporting statement.
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)
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
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large amount of applications, we will sift on:
- Good experience in either chemical and/or radiochemical analysis, or instrumental analysis
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview..
This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. During the interview we will assess you against the below:
Behaviours:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Changing and Improving
- Developing self and others
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 internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Glasgow. If based at one of our labs, 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.
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Link: Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers
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 https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.
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.
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
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.
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 the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a 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
- Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
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
Salary : $33,422