Job summary
The post holder, based in the Air Quality and Public Health (AQPH) Group, will support the objectives of UKHSA's Cleaner Air Programme to develop and share the evidence base on air quality, improve how information on the health impacts of air pollution are communicated; and encourage and support behaviour change at every level.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will contribute to the toxicological aspects of the Cleaner Air Programme for UKHSA with guidance and support from UKHSA's toxicology experts. The postholder will use their toxicology expertise to support the development of evidence and provision of expert advice on the health impacts associated with air pollution and the health impacts of interventions, taking into account ancillary public health benefits, working with internal and external partners.
Location
Role available at all core and scientific locations
Chilton, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Nottingham, Newcastle or home working subject to approval.
You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working
About us
Benefits
- 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 average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Developing and reviewing the evidence base on the quantitative associations between air pollution and various health endpoints through literature reviews and meta-analyses
- Quantifying health impacts attributable to air pollution at a national, regional and local level through burden of disease and comparative risk assessments, including the evaluation of interventions
- Contributing to research projects on indoor and outdoor air quality as required and in collaboration with other UKHSA departments / directorates and external partners
- Contributing to capacity building, communication and training, both internally and externally for developing and disseminating the evidence base for reducing the health impacts of air pollution
- Writing of, and contribution to, peer-reviewed publications related to the post holders area of scientific work
- Support UKHSA staff in EHE dispersed Units and Health Protection Units in their role by providing advice on air pollution on a site, project and or problem-specific basis
- Providing input to and reviewing appropriate consultation documents on government policy, issued by other agencies and government departments, on an ad hoc basis
- Respond to requests from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, other Government departments, the public and other stakeholders for advice on the health effects of air pollution. This will encompass contributions for letters to the public, briefings and responses to Parliamentary Questions
- Ensuring all data/ information generated within the cleaner air work programme is stored in an appropriate manner consistent with UKHSAs information management policies
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.
Please see the attached job description for a full list of responsibilities
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Developing and reviewing the evidence base on the quantitative associations between air pollution and various health endpoints through literature reviews and meta-analyses
- Quantifying health impacts attributable to air pollution at a national, regional and local level through burden of disease and comparative risk assessments, including the evaluation of interventions
- Contributing to research projects on indoor and outdoor air quality as required and in collaboration with other UKHSA departments / directorates and external partners
- Contributing to capacity building, communication and training, both internally and externally for developing and disseminating the evidence base for reducing the health impacts of air pollution
- Writing of, and contribution to, peer-reviewed publications related to the post holders area of scientific work
- Support UKHSA staff in EHE dispersed Units and Health Protection Units in their role by providing advice on air pollution on a site, project and or problem-specific basis
- Providing input to and reviewing appropriate consultation documents on government policy, issued by other agencies and government departments, on an ad hoc basis
- Respond to requests from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, other Government departments, the public and other stakeholders for advice on the health effects of air pollution. This will encompass contributions for letters to the public, briefings and responses to Parliamentary Questions
- Ensuring all data/ information generated within the cleaner air work programme is stored in an appropriate manner consistent with UKHSAs information management policies
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.
Please see the attached job description for a full list of responsibilities
Person Specification
Essential/Desirable criteria
Essential
- Relevant PhD qualification in an appropriate science subject (e.g. Toxicology, Biology, Molecular Biology) or equivalent experience of working at a similar level in a toxicologically relevant area
- Ability to (a) assess complex/novel situations and applications by applying fundamental scientific principles, and (b) gather, interpret and critically assess complex information relevant to assessing the toxicity of chemicals and other environmental contaminants.
- Experience of undertaking systematic reviews and meta-analysis
- Writing/evaluating scientific work and scientific publications in the field of toxicology, air pollution and health
- Ability to critically assess technical papers on behaviour and health and make judgements based on complex and uncertain information
- Capable of managing own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- Writing papers and research proposals, communication and collaboration
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable
- MSc qualification in Toxicology, Biology, Molecular Biology, public health, environmental science, air pollution
- Experience in air pollution related research
- Ability to undertake quantitative health impact assessments
Person Specification
Essential/Desirable criteria
Essential
- Relevant PhD qualification in an appropriate science subject (e.g. Toxicology, Biology, Molecular Biology) or equivalent experience of working at a similar level in a toxicologically relevant area
- Ability to (a) assess complex/novel situations and applications by applying fundamental scientific principles, and (b) gather, interpret and critically assess complex information relevant to assessing the toxicity of chemicals and other environmental contaminants.
- Experience of undertaking systematic reviews and meta-analysis
- Writing/evaluating scientific work and scientific publications in the field of toxicology, air pollution and health
- Ability to critically assess technical papers on behaviour and health and make judgements based on complex and uncertain information
- Capable of managing own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- Writing papers and research proposals, communication and collaboration
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable
- MSc qualification in Toxicology, Biology, Molecular Biology, public health, environmental science, air pollution
- Experience in air pollution related research
- Ability to undertake quantitative health impact assessments
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.
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.
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).
