UK Health Security Agency
Higher Toxicologist
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Scientific Campus - Chilton
Job Summary
The job entails working within the General Toxicology and Biomonitoring programme to provide advice on the health effects of chemicals in drinking water, contaminated land and from waste processes. The team works closely with the regional Radiation, Chemical, and Environmental Hazards directorate (RCCE) chemicals teams in England and Wales, providing advice and support during contamination incidents involving chemicals. The postholder will support various areas of the work of the programme and be required to specialise in a designated area after a period of development in post. They may also be required to provide toxicological advice in other areas as necessary to support the work of UKHSA.
Job Description
- To critically assess toxicity data on chemicals, with support from senior colleagues where required.
- To develop advice on the health effects of chemicals and support risk assessments relating to drinking water, contaminated land and waste processes.
- To support communication of this highly specialised advice to a range of recipients, e.g. colleagues in UKHSA.
- To ensure that such advice is documented and recorded in readily retrievable form.
- To contribute to the development of the scientific content of the UKHSA Compendium of Chemical Hazards (an online data resource for UKHSA and the public) and a new public-facing website to provide information on the potential health risks from chemicals.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Emphasis is on expert scientific/ technical contribution to advice and work both inside and outside UKHSA. This contribution involves evaluating complex information from a number of sources including professionals and scientists both inside UKHSA and in outside organisations, possibly in other countries.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree or qualification in relevant subject such as toxicology, or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in a relevant toxicology area.
- Awareness of broad public health and environmental issues.
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
- Ability to critically assess literature data and other information relevant to assessing the toxicity of chemicals.
- Ability to establish good working relationships.
- Ability to meet deadlines and plan work over short, medium and long-term timeframes.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working in toxicology or other relevant area.
- Experience in industry or public health.
- Experience using computational toxicology methods.
- Understanding of human biomonitoring and its use in chemical risk assessment.
- Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations.
- Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks
Salary Information
Alongside your salary of £35,587, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,309 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Eligibility Criteria
External - This vacancy is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.
Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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
Competency Based
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 6 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- 1000 word supporting statement.
Stage 2: Interview
Competency Based
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our Scientific Campus, Chilton.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview in the form of questions.
There will be a Presentation & Assessment
- A 5-minute presentation (no longer) on 'what you will bring to this role, your skills and your potential training needs'
- There will also be a written assessment conducted on the day of the interview.
Interview dates are yet to be confirmed.
Contact Point for Applicants
Job Contact
Name: John Inglis
Email: john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk
Recruitment team
Email: recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Further information
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Visit the Civil Service Commission website for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London