Job summary We are looking for an experienced radiation protection professional to lead a group of radiological assessment experts in the Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCCE). The role involves leading a group focused on the assessment of planned exposures from environmental radioactivity. This dynamic and broad work area aims to protect the public from radiation hazards relating to permitted discharges, transport, and disposal. You will lead a group developing and applying environmental assessment models to estimate the exposure of humans and the environment to radioactivity released to the environment. The group also works with software that we have developed and sold commercially and provides training to its users. As the group leader, you will be the key focus for collaboration with government, industry and international organisations such as IAEA, ICRP, NEA and UNSCEAR developing guidance and knowledge that will have national and international influence. The group's work is also published as research findings in journals, reports and other publications. We are looking for candidates with a strong background in a scientific discipline with established experience of radiation protection, and who have the potential to successfully lead and develop a group of radiological protection experts. You will also need to have good communication and teamwork skills, as well as a high level of initiative and creativity. Main duties of the job 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 planned exposures assessment capability in this specialist area across a whole range of planned exposure situations. This will include the maintenance of skills within the group for planned exposure assessments and associated radiation protection matters as well as a requirement to train and develop staff 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 by representing the organisation on a range of international/national and internal working groups and committees Assume a lead role in emergency response Provide expert advice within RCCE and to government departments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on radiation assessments and public protection matters Pursue the commercial exploitation of software developed for planned 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 This is not an exhaustive list, please see Job description document for full list of duties 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 14 February 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-JP-302639-EXT Job locations UKHSA Chilton Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ Job description Job responsibilities 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 which supports UKHSAs mission to protect people from ionising radiation, by advising on exposures and protection standards. The Department assesses the 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. Our areas of focus include emergency planning and response, permitted releases of radionuclides into the environment and solid waste management and disposal, contaminated land, and transport of radioactive waste. The post holder will have relevant experience in the field of radiation assessments, acting as a point of authoritative advice. They will manage a group that plans, designs and executes complex scientific research projects on assessments of radiation on members of the public including associated mathematical modelling. The post will include writing 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. Specifically, the post holder will: Provide scientific direction and be a focal point for specialist scientific knowledge in the Radiation Assessments Department. Oversee and manage both contract and non-contract projects. Direct and manage work on the development, maintenance and application of models and tools for estimating the consequences of releases of radioactivity to the environment, especially in planned exposure situations. Undertake and manage assessments of the radiological impact of radioactive releases especially in planned exposure situations. In the event of a radiation emergency, lead one of UKHSAs response teams providing expert advice supporting incident management. Selection Process 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 9 listed essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 9 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of: an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1000 word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. 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 essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Please note only applications meeting all the essential criteria will be moved through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates. 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. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (Competency based) You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a presentation. Interviews will be held week commencing 7th April 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton, Oxfordshire. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) on site at Chilton. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter Terrorism Check (CTC). 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. 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 description Job responsibilities 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 which supports UKHSAs mission to protect people from ionising radiation, by advising on exposures and protection standards. The Department assesses the 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. Our areas of focus include emergency planning and response, permitted releases of radionuclides into the environment and solid waste management and disposal, contaminated land, and transport of radioactive waste. The post holder will have relevant experience in the field of radiation assessments, acting as a point of authoritative advice. They will manage a group that plans, designs and executes complex scientific research projects on assessments of radiation on members of the public including associated mathematical modelling. The post will include writing 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. Specifically, the post holder will: Provide scientific direction and be a focal point for specialist scientific knowledge in the Radiation Assessments Department. Oversee and manage both contract and non-contract projects. Direct and manage work on the development, maintenance and application of models and tools for estimating the consequences of releases of radioactivity to the environment, especially in planned exposure situations. Undertake and manage assessments of the radiological impact of radioactive releases especially in planned exposure situations. In the event of a radiation emergency, lead one of UKHSAs response teams providing expert advice supporting incident management. Selection Process 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 9 listed essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 9 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of: an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1000 word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. 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 essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Please note only applications meeting all the essential criteria will be moved through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates. 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. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (Competency based) You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a presentation. Interviews will be held week commencing 7th April 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton, Oxfordshire. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) on site at Chilton. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter Terrorism Check (CTC). 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. 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. Person Specification Experience 1 Essential Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments Experience 2 Essential Extensive knowledge in the field of radiation assessments and related public protection matters including ability to plan, initiate, design and manage all stages of research projects independently Experience 3 Essential Excellent understanding of radiation protection Experience 4 Essential Training and experience in project management Experience 5 Essential Experience of managing scientific or similar projects with a number of internal and external collaborators within own area of expertise Experience 6 Essential Experience writing scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals and presenting research findings at national/international scientific conferences with large audiences Experience 7 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 Experience 8 Essential Information technology experience including familiarity with standard office software and specialist software related to the job Experience 9 Essential Proven experience managing scientific staff along with formal and practical management training e.g. supervisory skills, time management Desirable Criteria Essential Experience of managing training courses, giving training lectures and preparing training materials. This may include presentations and advice to the public individually or in groups Person Specification Experience 1 Essential Experience and expertise in carrying out environmental radiation assessments Experience 2 Essential Extensive knowledge in the field of radiation assessments and related public protection matters including ability to plan, initiate, design and manage all stages of research projects independently Experience 3 Essential Excellent understanding of radiation protection Experience 4 Essential Training and experience in project management Experience 5 Essential Experience of managing scientific or similar projects with a number of internal and external collaborators within own area of expertise Experience 6 Essential Experience writing scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals and presenting research findings at national/international scientific conferences with large audiences Experience 7 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 Experience 8 Essential Information technology experience including familiarity with standard office software and specialist software related to the job Experience 9 Essential Proven experience managing scientific staff along with formal and practical management training e.g. supervisory skills, time management Desirable Criteria Essential Experience of managing training courses, giving training lectures and preparing training materials. This may include presentations and advice to the public individually or in groups 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, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)