About the job

Job summary

We have an exciting role within the Radiochemistry Group (RG) in UKHSA.  As Group Leader, you will be the UKHSA expert in Radiochemistry and will manage a group of approximately 20 staff working in this area. 

The post holder will also be required to ensure that the group is at the forefront of the scientific area acting as a national point of authoritative advice. In the event of an emergency the postholder will lead the radiochemical analysis team providing analytical measurements of environmental and biological samples, along with expert advice, in support of the management of the incident.

Location:

This role will be based on site at: CRCE Scotland, 155 Hardgate Rd, Glasgow, G51 4LS.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available. *

Job description

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties:

• Lead an established group of staff working in radiation emergency response and chemical analysis.
• Plan and implement development in areas of emergency response and commercial services.
• Work with senior UKHSA colleagues to integrate RG developments with wider UKHSA aims and procedures.
• Ensure all work in the Group is carried out according to UKHSA policies, procedures.
• Ensure all work carried out in the Group meets the required health and safety standards and legislation.
• Work with the group to ensure new protocols are written and implemented, and staff competency has been demonstrated. Provide management support for the accreditation process for new procedures as required.
• Work with other Group Leaders and RHED Head of Department to develop and implement polices and business plans for the department.
• Undertake broader corporate tasks as directed by the Head of Department.
• Represent RG at national and international meetings and fora.
• 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

Please review the Job Description for a full list of responsibilities.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):

Essential

• BSc or higher in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
• Expert level experience in all aspects of chemical and radiochemical analysis (laboratory processing and use of instrumentation).
• Expert understanding of the principles of analysis and detectors for a range of chemical and radiochemical processes.
• Experience of leading a formally accredited QA environment.
• Experience of managing large groups/teams of staff.
• Ability to produce clear well-structured written material.
• Excellent decision-making skills to allow effective management of the group and its scientific growth.

Desirable

• Membership of relevant professional body
• Excellent problem-solving skills and adaptability to rapidly changing demands
• Strong IT skills in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams etc.

Please review the Job Description for the full criteria.

Benefits

• 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 average employer contribution of 27%

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the full list of essential criteria as detailed in the attached job description – please do provide evidence of how you meet this. 

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This stage will involve an in-person or MS Teams interview.   

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.  Candidates will also be asked to participate in a session where they will be required to prepare and deliver a 5–10-minute presentation to the panel.  This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment.  The presentation will be designed to assess each candidate’s experience in line with the requirements of the role.  Full details will be provided prior to the interview.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 1st April 2024 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: w/c 2nd April 2024.

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.