About the job

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Radiation Protection Scientist to join The Cancer Mechanisms and Biomarkers Group. Our group sits within the industry leading Radiation Effects Department of the Centre of Radiation Chemicals and Environmental Hazards (RCE).  The Group’s primary focus is to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on carcinogenesis, particularly leukaemia. Our Specific interests are in: Mouse and Human Variation in radiation sensitivity, Genetics of radiation cancer susceptibility, Quantitative biomarkers of radiation exposure and long-term effects, Molecular mechanisms and target cells for radiation leukemogenesis, Assessment of low dose exposure associated effects and risks.

Are you passionate about researching the effects of ionizing radiation? Do you have experience in developing and managing research projects? As a Senior Radiation Protection Scientist, you will lead research projects focusing on the effects of ionizing radiation. You will also be responsible for discovering new biomarkers of radiation exposure, studying the genetics of radiation cancer susceptibility, investigating variation in radiation sensitivity, and developing models of biological dosimeters using human samples, mice, and cell cultures. Apply now to join our team and make a difference in the world of radiation research!

Location

UKHSA Chilton – On-Site

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

Working Pattern – Full Time

Job description

The post holder will be expected to lead and be responsible for assigned projects and apply cellular and molecular biology methods (e.g. RNA extraction, poly A+ enrichment, qPCR, nanopore sequencing, nCounter analysis, cell culture, western blot) to achieve the specific aims of the research projects and thus to contribute to the development of new tools and techniques for research and dosimetry purposes.

• General maintenance and care of murine colonies such as blood samplings, genotyping and health checks
• Assist other members of the Group, Department and other UKHSA colleagues with wider projects as required.
• Production of high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in international peer-review journals.
• Dissemination of information and scientific data and results to collaborators and the wider research community by presenting posters and oral presentations at relevant national and international scientific meetings and conferences.
• Acquire knowledge and capability (through training) to carry out duties to support major Radiation Emergency Responses.
• Training and supervision of more junior staff and visiting scientists and students
• To assist with monitoring of laboratory stocks.
• To assist the laboratory manager with regular checks on maintenance of equipment and laboratory safety procedures.
• To generate sound laboratory data in support of research projects, to analyse and interpret complex scientific data sets using appropriate software tools including Microsoft Excel, BRB array tools, Graphpad, GIMP, photoshop, Inkskape and Minitab

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.

Please see full duties and responsibilities attached.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 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

• PhD in a relevant life science discipline
• Extensive knowledge and experience in a range of modern biological methods including cell culture and molecular biology techniques (RNA and protein extractions, sequencing, Western blotting, PCR, qPCR, multiplex qPCR etc.)
• Experience with mouse handling and related techniques (e.g. gavage, tail bleeding, dissection, genotyping.)
• Hold a Home Office Personal Licence
• Data processing and graphics skills (e.g. Microsoft Office software packages especially Word, Excel and Power Point and also other graphic software like Graphpad, GIMP, photoshop, Inkscape)
• Excellent communication skills, including writing of reports; making scientific and more public-facing presentations, sometimes in difficult situations; and an ability to form productive and maintain working relationships: Ability to form good working relationships with customers and staff.

Desirable

• Knowledge of tissue culture procedures and aseptic techniques
• Knowledge and experience of a statistical software package (e.g. Minitab, Sigma Stat)
• Experience in planning and executing scientific research from start to completion

Benefits

Working for the UKHSA

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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%
• Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK

Things you need to know

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 competition will involve an interview by video. 

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. 

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 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.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate.  The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 2nd February 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: 9th February 2024

Interviews: w/c 19th or 26th February

Please note these dates could be subject to change. 

Eligibility Criteria

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

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 Basic Personnel Security Standard.  People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. 

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints1@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. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

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

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). 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.