Job summary UKHSA is the UK's primary authority carrying out research to advance knowledge and providing guidance and services on the protection from the risks of radiation. The job is within the Radiation Assessments Department whose role is to support the UKHSA's function of protecting people from ionising radiation, by providing advice on exposures and protection standards.The Department looks at the assessment of health impacts to the public due to ionising radiation in the environment. To do this effectively, radiation doses from past, present and possible future sources of radiation must be evaluated. A significant part of the Department's work involves developing, applying and maintaining the models or tools to estimate these radiation doses. We provide a range of scientific and technical research, training and software products to government, industry and others. Areas covered include emergency planning and response, permitted releases of radionuclides into the environment and solid waste management disposal, contaminated land and transport of radioactive waste. Main duties of the job The post holder will: Have relevant experience in the field of radiation assessments, acting as a point of authoritative advice. Be responsible for the management of a group that plans, designs and executes complex scientific research projects on assessments of radiation on members of the public and associated mathematical modelling. Write scientific papers and reports, giving scientific presentations (including at international forums), representing UKHSA or UK interests at scientific meetings and committees, the provision of training and drafting of UKHSA advice. Provide scientific direction and be a focal point for specialist scientific knowledge in the Radiation Assessments Department. Oversee and undertake the management of both contract and non-contract projects. Direct and manage work on the development, maintenance and application of specific models and tools for estimating the consequences of releases of radioactivity to the environment, especially in existing exposure situations. Undertake and manage assessments of the radiological impact of releases of radioactivity and to work on more general mathematical and assessment topics in the group, especially in existing exposure situations. In the event of a radiation emergency will lead one of UKHSA's response teams providing expert advice supporting the management of the incident. About us 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 Date posted 11 April 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £64,403 to £66,415 a year Per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-HM-302774-EXT Job locations UKHSA Chilton Chilton Didcot OX11 0RQ Job description Job responsibilities Your key responsibilities will include: Lead and manage a group in the Radiation Assessments department staffing, research, services, strategic and scientific direction and work programme (including income generating activities). Ensure that RCCE maintains an effective existing exposures assessment capability in this specialist area across a whole range of existing exposure situations (including recovery). This will include the maintenance of skills within the group for existing exposure assessments and associated radiation protection matters as well as a requirement to train and develop staff across the wider RCCE as required to ensure effective support to this function. Lead for RCCE in support of the international work in which UKHSA is participating in radiation assessment-related activities and related public protection matters. Assume a lead role in emergency response. Represent the organisation on a range of international/national and internal working groups and committees. Provide expert advice within RCCE and to government departments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on radiation assessments and associated public health protection matters. Pursue the commercial exploitation of software developed for existing exposures and radiation assessment calculations. Have significant autonomy within their specialist areas of expertise. Contribute to the management of the Radiation Assessments Department including representing the Head of Department as appropriate. The postholder will possess skills and experience to lead specialised teams on potentially novel and complex projects for which there is no precedent and where there is a need for adaptive and creative thought. The direct line management of several senior members of the group. The postholder will promote consistency and the sharing of knowledge across the Department by supporting the activities of the Departmental scientific Co-ordination Groups and the Quality Management System. 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 qualifications, 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 10 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. Please note that you will only be assessed on the essential criteria listed within the advert and not all those listed in the job description. 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 essentialcriteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments 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. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. There will be a 510-minute presentation at interview, full details of the subject 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 at our Scientific Campus in Chilton. 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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC). 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. Job description Job responsibilities Your key responsibilities will include: Lead and manage a group in the Radiation Assessments department staffing, research, services, strategic and scientific direction and work programme (including income generating activities). Ensure that RCCE maintains an effective existing exposures assessment capability in this specialist area across a whole range of existing exposure situations (including recovery). This will include the maintenance of skills within the group for existing exposure assessments and associated radiation protection matters as well as a requirement to train and develop staff across the wider RCCE as required to ensure effective support to this function. Lead for RCCE in support of the international work in which UKHSA is participating in radiation assessment-related activities and related public protection matters. Assume a lead role in emergency response. Represent the organisation on a range of international/national and internal working groups and committees. Provide expert advice within RCCE and to government departments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on radiation assessments and associated public health protection matters. Pursue the commercial exploitation of software developed for existing exposures and radiation assessment calculations. Have significant autonomy within their specialist areas of expertise. Contribute to the management of the Radiation Assessments Department including representing the Head of Department as appropriate. The postholder will possess skills and experience to lead specialised teams on potentially novel and complex projects for which there is no precedent and where there is a need for adaptive and creative thought. The direct line management of several senior members of the group. The postholder will promote consistency and the sharing of knowledge across the Department by supporting the activities of the Departmental scientific Co-ordination Groups and the Quality Management System. 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 qualifications, 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 10 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. Please note that you will only be assessed on the essential criteria listed within the advert and not all those listed in the job description. 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 essentialcriteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments 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. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. There will be a 510-minute presentation at interview, full details of the subject 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 at our Scientific Campus in Chilton. 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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC). 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. Person Specification Essential criteria 1 Essential Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health / health protection discipline i.e., radiation protection, mathematics, physical science, environmental science, or equivalent experience gained through leading scientific research projects, being involved in regulatory activities or development of advice and guidance in such a discipline Essential criteria 2 Essential Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments Essential criteria 3 Essential Extensive knowledge in the field of radiation assessments and related public health protection matters including ability to plan, initiate, design and manage all stages of research projects independently Essential criteria 4 Essential Excellent understanding of radiation protection Essential criteria 5 Essential Training and experience in project management Essential criteria 6 Essential Experience of managing scientific or similar projects with a number of internal and external collaborators within own area of expertise Essential criteria 7 Essential Experience in writing scientific papers for peer reviewed journal and presenting research findings at national/international scientific conferences with large audiences Essential criteria 8 Essential Training and experience in radiation emergency preparedness (real emergencies or exercises) in a specialist or defined role with ability to develop into the team leader role Essential criteria 9 Essential Information technology experience including familiarity with standard office software and specialist software related to the tasks of the job Essential criteria 10 Essential Proven experience of managing scientific staff plus attendance at formal and practical management training e.g. supervisory skills, time management Person Specification Essential criteria 1 Essential Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health / health protection discipline i.e., radiation protection, mathematics, physical science, environmental science, or equivalent experience gained through leading scientific research projects, being involved in regulatory activities or development of advice and guidance in such a discipline Essential criteria 2 Essential Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments Essential criteria 3 Essential Extensive knowledge in the field of radiation assessments and related public health protection matters including ability to plan, initiate, design and manage all stages of research projects independently Essential criteria 4 Essential Excellent understanding of radiation protection Essential criteria 5 Essential Training and experience in project management Essential criteria 6 Essential Experience of managing scientific or similar projects with a number of internal and external collaborators within own area of expertise Essential criteria 7 Essential Experience in writing scientific papers for peer reviewed journal and presenting research findings at national/international scientific conferences with large audiences Essential criteria 8 Essential Training and experience in radiation emergency preparedness (real emergencies or exercises) in a specialist or defined role with ability to develop into the team leader role Essential criteria 9 Essential Information technology experience including familiarity with standard office software and specialist software related to the tasks of the job Essential criteria 10 Essential Proven experience of managing scientific staff plus attendance at formal and practical management training e.g. supervisory skills, time management Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency Address UKHSA Chilton Chilton Didcot OX11 0RQ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)