UK Health Security Agency

Radon Scientist

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Radon gas is the largest single source of ionising radiation exposure to the UK population. It is responsible for the lung cancer deaths of more than 1,100 people in the UK each year, and comes from natural sources in rocks and soils, building materials and water. The Radon Group consists of ~20 people with a mixture of skills: scientific, technical, logistical and business. Our role is to increase awareness of radon, provide measurements and advice on how to tackle radon in homes and workplaces, and undertake the research and development that support our services. Our public-facing website www.ukradon.org is centred on the radon potential map of the UK, which was created from a combination of radon measurement data from more than 600,000 homes and local geology. The Radon Group is part of the Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental (RCCE) Hazards Directorate.

The Radon Programmes Team focuses on the analysis of large databases of radon measurements, assessing and advising on the effectiveness of radon reduction techniques, interactions with regulators, answering the more complex technical queries from householders and employers, and leading on new measurement surveys.

This position is not a home-working position. The post-holder is expected to work 60% of their time in the office (Chilton) and, if desired, 40% from home.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide scientific input to a small team working within the Radon Group contributing knowledge and research to support the group's objectives. The post holder will receive extensive training in radiation protection with a view to developing their own areas of interest within the Radon Group. This will lead to the running of their own research and development projects, which may be presented at national and international events.

Your key responsibilities include:

  • Improving and providing advice about radon health risks and control to a range of stakeholders, including householders and employers
  • Contributing to the design of and manage specific projects to review and analyse information collected on the National Radon Database, for example, to improve advice to employers on the most effective ways of complying with regulations
  • Developing clear and improved resources that can be translated and developed into radon information on www.ukradon.org
  • Assessing the impact of international standards on radon in the UK
  • Writing reports and articles on radon as lead or co-author

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

Details

Date posted

31 January 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£34,093 to £41,509 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-302721-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

A major part of the job is to provide scientific support to the radon measurement service for workplaces and householders. This means developing a good understanding of different radon exposure situations and how they can best be managed, including reducing the radon levels (mitigation) and complying with the relevant legislation. The tasks will include both database and statistical analysis (and producing publications based on the conclusions) and frequent communications with a range of stakeholders (householders, employers, health and safety professionals), resolving their queries and supporting their decision-making process on radon measurement and control.

The working environment will be mostly office-based but may include activities in the Radon Laboratory or travel in the UK and possibly overseas, as required.

The post holder will carry out a range of duties as part of this work, including:

  • Gaining knowledge and understanding of radon measurement, control, health effects and regulatory standards
  • Providing advice about radon health risks and controls to a range of stakeholders in response to telephone and email queries
  • Developing and producing support radon information for stakeholders, and to raise awareness of radon
  • Gathering and adding information for the National Radon Database (NRD)
  • Reviewing and analysing NRD information to help increase radon measurement uptake, effectiveness and control
  • Contributing to the design and management of specific projects
  • Contributing to publications such as reports and journal articles
  • Attending and organising events associated with radon programmes within the UK
  • Having a role within the RCCE radiation emergency plan

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. Internally, this will include scientific and administrative staff in the Radon Group, the Radon Group Leader, and the Head of Dosimetry Services Department. Externally, the post holder is expected to communicate with members of the public, employers and Industry, Local Authorities (e.g. Environmental Health Officers), landlords and property management specialists, professionals involved in property transactions, Government agencies and departments and mitigation contractors.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

UKHSA is a high-performing organisation that empowers people to own their talent and provide an opportunity for everyone. Through various Talent and Learning and Development schemes UKHSA staff can build and expand technical knowledge and skills and gain additional professional qualifications, e.g. mentoring, coaching, leadership. The post holder is expected to:

  • Identify, discuss, and action own professional performance and training / development needs with their line manager through appraisal / individual development plan.
  • Attend internal / external training events, e.g. Radiation Protection Training Scheme (RPTS).
  • Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance.
  • Participate in conferences at both national and international levels

The Harwell Campus is a science research hub with free parking and is connected to most nearby towns through a very regular bus service.

Selection Process Details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency-based assessments

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1500 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.

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

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience of scientific project work

All essential criteria and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description).

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

Please do not exceed 1500 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 single face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview

Knowledge, experience and skills will be tested at interview

Interview candidates will be required to prepare and present a short presentation on a radon-related topic- details to be confirmed to those successful at gaining an interview.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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

Selection Process

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.

Eligibility CriteriaExternal-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. 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).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of 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.

Face to Face interviews

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

Job description

Job responsibilities

A major part of the job is to provide scientific support to the radon measurement service for workplaces and householders. This means developing a good understanding of different radon exposure situations and how they can best be managed, including reducing the radon levels (mitigation) and complying with the relevant legislation. The tasks will include both database and statistical analysis (and producing publications based on the conclusions) and frequent communications with a range of stakeholders (householders, employers, health and safety professionals), resolving their queries and supporting their decision-making process on radon measurement and control.

The working environment will be mostly office-based but may include activities in the Radon Laboratory or travel in the UK and possibly overseas, as required.

The post holder will carry out a range of duties as part of this work, including:

  • Gaining knowledge and understanding of radon measurement, control, health effects and regulatory standards
  • Providing advice about radon health risks and controls to a range of stakeholders in response to telephone and email queries
  • Developing and producing support radon information for stakeholders, and to raise awareness of radon
  • Gathering and adding information for the National Radon Database (NRD)
  • Reviewing and analysing NRD information to help increase radon measurement uptake, effectiveness and control
  • Contributing to the design and management of specific projects
  • Contributing to publications such as reports and journal articles
  • Attending and organising events associated with radon programmes within the UK
  • Having a role within the RCCE radiation emergency plan

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. Internally, this will include scientific and administrative staff in the Radon Group, the Radon Group Leader, and the Head of Dosimetry Services Department. Externally, the post holder is expected to communicate with members of the public, employers and Industry, Local Authorities (e.g. Environmental Health Officers), landlords and property management specialists, professionals involved in property transactions, Government agencies and departments and mitigation contractors.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

UKHSA is a high-performing organisation that empowers people to own their talent and provide an opportunity for everyone. Through various Talent and Learning and Development schemes UKHSA staff can build and expand technical knowledge and skills and gain additional professional qualifications, e.g. mentoring, coaching, leadership. The post holder is expected to:

  • Identify, discuss, and action own professional performance and training / development needs with their line manager through appraisal / individual development plan.
  • Attend internal / external training events, e.g. Radiation Protection Training Scheme (RPTS).
  • Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance.
  • Participate in conferences at both national and international levels

The Harwell Campus is a science research hub with free parking and is connected to most nearby towns through a very regular bus service.

Selection Process Details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency-based assessments

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1500 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.

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

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience of scientific project work

All essential criteria and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description).

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

Please do not exceed 1500 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 single face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview

Knowledge, experience and skills will be tested at interview

Interview candidates will be required to prepare and present a short presentation on a radon-related topic- details to be confirmed to those successful at gaining an interview.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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

Selection Process

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.

Eligibility CriteriaExternal-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. 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).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of 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.

Face to Face interviews

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

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Science degree or equivalent qualification or experience
  • Post-graduate degree in radiation protection or equivalent experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Experience of scientific project work
  • Broad knowledge of and interest in radiation/environmental science
  • Good working knowledge of MS Office: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint

Desirable

  • Understanding of radon and radiation protection
  • Experience in explaining technical or scientific information to a range of audiences - from professionals to members of the public both orally and in writing

Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours

Essential

  • Clear written communication style with ability to adapt to different audience and outputs (reports, information sheets, journal articles)
  • Good judgement and problem-solving skills, maintaining high standards
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Flexible attitude to working as team member or alone, and across teams in the Radon Group
  • Self-motivated and ability to work on own initiative, prioritising workload
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Science degree or equivalent qualification or experience
  • Post-graduate degree in radiation protection or equivalent experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Experience of scientific project work
  • Broad knowledge of and interest in radiation/environmental science
  • Good working knowledge of MS Office: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint

Desirable

  • Understanding of radon and radiation protection
  • Experience in explaining technical or scientific information to a range of audiences - from professionals to members of the public both orally and in writing

Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours

Essential

  • Clear written communication style with ability to adapt to different audience and outputs (reports, information sheets, journal articles)
  • Good judgement and problem-solving skills, maintaining high standards
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Flexible attitude to working as team member or alone, and across teams in the Radon Group
  • Self-motivated and ability to work on own initiative, prioritising workload

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

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing Support Officer

Lisa Tweedie

Recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

31 January 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£34,093 to £41,509 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-302721-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)