UK Health Security Agency

Radon Support 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 almost 600,000 homes and local geology. The Radon Group is part of the Radiation, Chemicals, 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 programmes such as 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

This role will provide an interesting and supported introduction to project management in the Radon Group. The post holder will be responsible for a diverse range of activities to support the delivery of the team's objectives (usually within larger programmes), will help to support the smooth running of the project by assisting the operation of project management processes, and the co-ordination of business management actions and activities on behalf of the project team. The post holder will be expected to support the project manager with activities such as communication across the business, maintenance of central project records and production of regular management reports.

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.

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

£29,109 to £34,131 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-LT-302746-EXT

Job locations

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Specific duties of the role may vary depending on the project in the planning, delivery or analysis phase.

  • Planning and scheduling Assist with and maintain appropriate systems to enable effective planning and scheduling. Experience of working across teams, establishing processes and working to deadlines.
  • Monitoring and reporting Assist in maintaining project controls and in producing project reports.
  • Administration Organise key project meetings, and provide secretariat support using Microsoft Office tools
  • Resources Supervision of junior staff if appropriate.
  • Stakeholder Act as the focal point for project responses to external requests for information.
  • Financial control Assist with the monitoring of project spend and income, and contribute to the compilation of budgets.

In addition, the Radon Support Scientist will be responsible for:

  • acquiring detailed knowledge of radon sources, measurements and mitigation
  • providing information to householders and employers on radon (scientific support for Radon Services Team) both written and verbal
  • contributing to articles for journals and other publications
  • undertaking an appropriate role in the RCCE emergency plan

Communication and Key Working Relationships

The post holder will develop effective working relationships and communicate regularly either by phone, MS Teams, etc, email or face to face with a wide range of individuals including officers from other government departments, scientists, support staff, managers and corporate team staff for example, HR and Finance. The post holder may make or receive phone calls, receive emails and decide relevant action, responding directly where appropriate and this may include external people for example, stakeholders or other public health organisations e.g. local government.

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.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

Internal

  • Radon Group Leader
  • Radon Programmes Team Leader
  • Radon Programmes Team members
  • Members of other teams within the Radon Group
  • Peers across RCE working on allied issues, e.g. Indoor Air Quality, Radiation Protection Advisers

External

  • Employers and members of the public
  • Peers in other government departments and local authorities

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 6 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, 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 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 undertaking projects to completion and delivering results

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 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 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

There will be a short Technical Test, based on a document provided in advance to the interviewee.

Interview 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

Specific duties of the role may vary depending on the project in the planning, delivery or analysis phase.

  • Planning and scheduling Assist with and maintain appropriate systems to enable effective planning and scheduling. Experience of working across teams, establishing processes and working to deadlines.
  • Monitoring and reporting Assist in maintaining project controls and in producing project reports.
  • Administration Organise key project meetings, and provide secretariat support using Microsoft Office tools
  • Resources Supervision of junior staff if appropriate.
  • Stakeholder Act as the focal point for project responses to external requests for information.
  • Financial control Assist with the monitoring of project spend and income, and contribute to the compilation of budgets.

In addition, the Radon Support Scientist will be responsible for:

  • acquiring detailed knowledge of radon sources, measurements and mitigation
  • providing information to householders and employers on radon (scientific support for Radon Services Team) both written and verbal
  • contributing to articles for journals and other publications
  • undertaking an appropriate role in the RCCE emergency plan

Communication and Key Working Relationships

The post holder will develop effective working relationships and communicate regularly either by phone, MS Teams, etc, email or face to face with a wide range of individuals including officers from other government departments, scientists, support staff, managers and corporate team staff for example, HR and Finance. The post holder may make or receive phone calls, receive emails and decide relevant action, responding directly where appropriate and this may include external people for example, stakeholders or other public health organisations e.g. local government.

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.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

Internal

  • Radon Group Leader
  • Radon Programmes Team Leader
  • Radon Programmes Team members
  • Members of other teams within the Radon Group
  • Peers across RCE working on allied issues, e.g. Indoor Air Quality, Radiation Protection Advisers

External

  • Employers and members of the public
  • Peers in other government departments and local authorities

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 6 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, 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 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 undertaking projects to completion and delivering results

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 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 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

There will be a short Technical Test, based on a document provided in advance to the interviewee.

Interview 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

  • Degree / NVQ level 6 in science-related subject or equivalent experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of radiation and/or environmental protection
  • Experience of undertaking projects to completion and delivering results
  • Knowledge and experience of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Skills/Capabilities/Behaviours

Essential

  • Flexible attitude to working as team member or alone, and across teams
  • Self-motivated and ability to work on own initiative, prioritising workload

Desirable

  • Ability to analyse situation and suggest improvements
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree / NVQ level 6 in science-related subject or equivalent experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of radiation and/or environmental protection
  • Experience of undertaking projects to completion and delivering results
  • Knowledge and experience of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Skills/Capabilities/Behaviours

Essential

  • Flexible attitude to working as team member or alone, and across teams
  • Self-motivated and ability to work on own initiative, prioritising workload

Desirable

  • Ability to analyse situation and suggest improvements

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

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

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

£29,109 to £34,131 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-LT-302746-EXT

Job locations

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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