UK Health Security Agency
Senior Toxicologist
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Job title: Senior toxicologist
Location: Hybrid from our Scientific Campus in Chilton, Oxfordshire
Salary: Civil Service SEO grade - £44,148 - £50,121 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Help Shape the Future of Chemical Safety and Public Health
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Toxicologist to join the International Regulation Group within the Toxicology Department of the Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards (RCCE) Directorate.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your scientific expertise to some of the most important public health and regulatory challenges facing society today. Working at the intersection of science, policy, and public health, you will contribute to the development of innovative approaches for chemical hazard assessment and support the UK's role in influencing international regulatory science.
You will collaborate with leading experts across government, academia, and international organisations, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), helping to advance chemical safety while promoting more efficient and humane testing methods.
About the Team
The Toxicology Department provides expert advice on the health effects of environmental hazards, including chemicals, particles, and bioaerosols. Our work supports UKHSA, the Department of Health and Social Care, local authorities, government departments, and other key stakeholders in protecting public health.
The International Regulation Group conducts translational research using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methodologies to support chemical hazard assessment and regulatory decision-making. The team plays a key role in developing, evaluating, and harmonising innovative testing approaches that improve the scientific basis of chemical safety assessment while supporting the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement in animal testing.
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About the Role
This is a predominantly desk-based scientific and regulatory role with opportunities to influence international chemical regulation and contribute to cutting-edge research programmes.
As a Senior Toxicologist, you will:
- Provide scientific and public health expertise to international chemical regulatory programmes, particularly the OECD Test Guidelines Programme and related initiatives.
- Collaborate with scientists across UKHSA, government departments, partner agencies, and international organisations to support the development and implementation of chemical testing strategies.
- Critically evaluate complex scientific evidence and datasets to inform hazard assessments and regulatory decision-making.
- Support the UK Human Health National Coordinator for the OECD Test Guidelines Programme and contribute to the OECD Working Party on Hazard Assessment.
- Lead or contribute to research projects focused on the development, validation, and application of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including computational and laboratory-based methods.
- Produce high-quality scientific publications and present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to funding applications and the development of future research programmes.
- Support and mentor junior scientists, students, and researchers where appropriate.
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About You
We're looking for a scientist with a strong background in toxicology and a passion for applying science to solve real-world public health challenges.
Essential Criteria
- PhD qualification (or equivalent) relevant to the field of toxicology and/or experience of working at a similar level in a relevant area of regulatory toxicology
- Experience of assessing health risks from chemicals
- Awareness of broad public health and environmental issues
- Ability to critically assess relevant data and information to assess the toxicity of chemicals journals
- Experience in vitro cell culture and/or in silico tool development
- Good scientific writing skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, and plan work over short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable Criteria
- Inclusion in UK Register of Toxicologists
- Experience in test method (pre)validation
- Experience in public health
- Regulatory experience
- Experience in industry
- Experience of teaching or training
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, click 'Apply' to access the full job description and person specification on HealthJobsUK.
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