UK Health Security Agency
Analytical Chemist (Higher Radiation Protection Scientist)
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Job Summary
We are looking to recruit either a trainee radiochemist at radiation protection scientist (EO) grade or an experienced radiochemist at higher radiation protection scientist (HEO) grade. For those without experience in radiochemistry, a strong background in science and laboratory skills will be sufficient as we will provide full support through a structured training programme to reach HEO grade.
The Radiation Hazards and Emergencies Department (RHED) leads UKHSA’s emergency response and preparedness function in case of radiation and nuclear emergencies. It also provides advice and support to external organisations and central Government on issues surrounding emergency response and countermeasures to be taken.
The Radiochemistry Group (RG) has a primary role to provide analytical measurements of environmental and biological samples to support emergency response advice, as well as providing commercial services to a broad range of customers. The work is performed under accredited systems (ISO 17025, ISO 14001).
Working for your organisation
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
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake radiochemical analysis and/or instrumental analysis in support of current commercial contracts
- Project Manage defined programmes, or provide Deputy Project Manager support, for larger contracts. Manage defined areas of development projects within RG, Liaise with Team/Group Leaders and customers on the progress of these projects
- Prepare customer reports and communicate results to customers
- Contribute to development of testing protocols for both commercial and emergency samples
- Undertake other duties in support of UKHSA Glasgow’s emergency response preparedness and commercial activities (e.g. environmental sample collection).
- Work with senior analysts to prepare new analytical protocols. Contribute to the accreditation process and staff training for new procedures as required
- Manage other staff within the team, if required.
- Ensure their work satisfies all applicable QA requirements
- Undertake broader corporate tasks as directed by the Group Leader and/or Head of Department
The Postholders Will Develop Working Relationships And Communicate Regularly With a Wide Range Of Individuals, Internal And External To UKHSA. This Will Include:
Internal
- Line Manager (daily)
- Team Leader (daily)
- Group Leader (weekly)
- Administrative staff (weekly)
- Wider UKHSA staff (as required)
External
- Customers (weekly)
- Sample Suppliers (weekly)
- Instrument manufacturers (weekly)
Main Duties
Note: These reflect the expectations for an experienced radiochemist. For those recruited as trainee radiochemists the on-the-job training is matched to these core duties and responsibilities.
- The postholder will be responsible for undertaking laboratory-based analysis and/or instrumental analysis on environmental and industrial samples in support of RG’s commercial contracts
- They will be assisting Project Managers either by leading on managing defined areas of large monitoring programmes or providing support as Deputy Project Manager for large commercial contracts, as directed by the Group Leader
- The postholder will also contribute to the development of new analytical protocols or other developmental work in support of RG’s primary roles, undertaking developmental analysis under the direction of the project lead, introducing new working procedures and preparation of validation reports
- The postholder will be a Line Manager for some staff within the Team, if deemed necessary by the RG Group Leaders
- The postholder may also be asked to undertake more general corporate duties, in areas such as safety management, environmental management or radioactivity management
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Please note this list is not exhaustive.
The Postholders Will Develop Working Relationships And Communicate Regularly With a Wide Range Of Individuals, Internal And External To UKHSA. This Will Include:
Internal
- Line Manager (daily)
- Team Leader (daily)
- Group Leader (weekly)
- Administrative staff (weekly)
- Wider UKHSA staff (as required)
External
- Customers (weekly)
- Sample Suppliers (weekly)
- Instrument manufacturers (weekly)
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Graduate level in chemistry or a related discipline
- Good experience in either chemical and/or radiochemical analysis, or instrumental analysis
- Experience of working in a strong quality-focussed environment
- Good MS Office skills, the ability to produce clear well-structured written material, and excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to multitask whilst keeping to agreed deadlines, often working under pressure with competing priorities
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
- Current UK driving licence (or equivalent) and availability to work away from base occasionally
Desirable criteria
- Experience in contributing to development or application projects
- Good problem-solving skills and adaptability to rapidly changing demands
Alongside your salary of £28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
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 employer contribution of 28.97%
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success Profiles - GOV.UK
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You Will Be Required To Complete An Application Form. You Will Be Assessed On The Listed 7 Essential Criteria, And This Will Be In The Form Of A:
Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
1250 word supporting statement
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (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).
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. Please do not exceed 1250 words.
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
If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- Graduate level in chemistry or a related discipline
- Good experience in either chemical and/or radiochemical analysis, or instrumental analysis
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.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Success Profiles - GOV.UK
Interview and Assessment Process
The key difference between being offered a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) or Executive Officer (EO) position is the level of relevant knowledge, experience, and responsibility you have demonstrated in previous roles.
During the interview, the panel will assess your suitability based on your responses to strengths, behaviours, and technical questions.
HEO Assessment Criteria
To be considered successful at HEO level, candidates must achieve:
- A score above 4 in Behaviours, and Technical question
Candidates who meet the required standard will be ranked according to their overall interview scores. The highest-scoring candidate will be offered the HEO position. Any other successful candidates will be placed in the HEO talent pool.
If no candidates meet the HEO standard, interviews will then be assessed against the EO job description criteria.
EO Assessment Criteria
To be considered successful at EO level, candidates must achieve:
- A score above 4 in Behaviours, and Technical questions
Candidates who meet the EO standard will be ranked based on their overall scores. The highest-scoring candidate will be offered the EO/HEO fluid-graded position, with other successful candidates placed in the EO/HEO talent pool.
Interview Details
You will be invited to attend a single face-to-face interview at UKHSA Glasgow. In exceptional circumstances, a remote interview may be offered.
Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours Tested During The Interview Stage Will Be:
- Changing and Improving (lead behaviour)
- Delivering at Pace
- Working together
Strengths will be assessed via strength based questions.
Technical skills will be assessed by Technical based questions.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may
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