Radiation Protection Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Professional development as a radiation protection scientist will be supported by a comprehensive development scheme geared to the commercial services and emergency response function of the department.
• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

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. This will include;

• Daily communication with other scientific staff and administrative staff in the department, up to group leader level
• Occasional communication with scientific staff in other RCCE departments
• Daily communication with commercial clients at various levels typically from dentists, technicians, workplace supervisors up to management level.
• Frequently with clients on site during visits to assess radiation equipment and facilities.
• Periodically with clients when contributing to commercial training events (demonstrating/supervising practical exercises). The post holder will be expected to communicate clearly and effectively with delegates. These will range from shop-floor staff up to senior managers.

Other

• Some of these duties will entail working alone and unsupervised, while others will require supervision. The post holder will be expected to carry out accurate scientific work in accordance with established procedures and protocols. This will require understanding of the practices and protocols, and suitable training will be provided to achieve this.
• The post holder will be required to use complex scientific equipment and will also use a range of IT software including databases and software developed in house. These may be used for record keeping and the calculation of scientific information.
• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The duty holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

Essential role criteria

• Science degree or its equivalent in a science discipline, or significant experience in the scientific support of radiation protection services.
• Knowledge of Microsoft office packages, especially Word, Access, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively, formally, informally, orally and in writing to clients, UKHSA staff and representatives from other organisations.
• Technical competence in making measurements coupled with good numerate ability.
• Capable of working accurately and consistently in setting up equipment and in making complex measurements.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines, also able to prioritise the workload.
• Full UK driving licence.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

• Ability to observe and question to gather information and sift it to disregard the irrelevant and identify key issues.
• Ability to assess complex situations and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation
• Good organisational skills

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.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (8) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 750 word supporting statement.

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 supporting statement will be marked together.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

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

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

• Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

• Science degree or its equivalent in a science discipline, or significant experience in the scientific support of radiation protection services.
• Technical competence in making measurements coupled with good numerate ability.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

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.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a technical assessment as part of the interview, this will be assessing your technical skills and ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel documents. Full details of this will be provided on the day of your interview.

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- External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

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-terrorist Check.

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.

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location:

Executive Officer (EO)

• £28,547- £33,196 (National)
• £30,441- £35,576 (Outer London)

Person Specification

Application form and statement of suitability

Essential

• Application form and statement of suitability

Essential Criteria

Essential

• Questions on experience, knowledge and skills

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 (Oxfordshire) OR Leeds

Chilton (Oxfordshire), Leeds

LS16 6RW

Employer's website

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