About the job

Job summary

The post is a predominantly laboratory based scientific research role. The post holder will undertake highly specialized scientific research in support of the work of the Toxicology Department, in particular, the work of the Analytical Toxicology Programme.

The Analytical Toxicology programme undertakes experimental activities using mass spectrometry techniques to identify and quantify exposures to chemicals and other environmental pollutants (e.g. nanoparticles, particulate matter, bioaerosols, microplastics, toxic elements). The programme also undertakes metabolomic studies to support investigations of detrimental effects on human health and has a responsibility for analytical and bioinformatics support for chemical incidents and emergencies.

The post holder will be expected to work closely together with peers within the Department and external academic and other collaborators.

Location

This lab-based role is located at UKHSA Chilton, Harwell Science Campus; OX11 0RQ.

*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 entails working as part of the Analytical Toxicology Programme to undertake public health-relevant research into the potential health effects of chemicals, bio-aerosols and other toxicants.  The group has an applied research interest in various analytical methods and associated bioinformatics methods for the assessment of exposures including the mycobiome and VOCs. The post-holder will focus on applied exposomics research via the development of primary data using LC-HRMS and possibly ICPMS, or GC-HRMS and the associated data analysis pipelines in collaboration with other members of the department. The bioinformatics work will involve the use of big data handling packages such as Qlucore and R/Linux. The successful candidate will undertake their own research in specialist areas relevant to Public Health Toxicology such as chemical or bio-aerosol exposures. In the event of a chemical emergency there will also be a need to assist colleagues. The post holder may also be required to provide advice to various stakeholders as necessary to support the work of UKHSA.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• To develop novel research in the area of exposures relevant to Public Health using analytical methods that could include LC-HRMS, ICPMS, or GC-HRMS.
• To develop bio-informatics data-handling streams to support this work.
• To support communication of this highly specialised data analysis to a range of recipients, e.g. colleagues in UKHSA, academic collaborators, government.
• To present work at National and International meetings.
• Maintain data back-up computing facilities and data management

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

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

• Bachelor’s or Master’s qualification in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in a relevant toxicology area
• Further training to PhD level
• Experience (preferably 3 years or more) of working in toxicology, or other relevant area
• Experience with analysing complex data especially from LC-HRMS
• Experience in analytical chemistry (LC-HRMS, GC-HRMS, ICP-MS) especially in generating omics data (proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, metalomics, exposomics)
• Use of statistical analysis especially for complex data
• Understanding of COSHH and good laboratory practice
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and oral and poster presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
• Ability to establish good working relationships.
• Professional, calm and efficient manner, and an ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
• Ability to author or co-author scientific reports and papers
• Ability to critically assess literature data and other information relevant to assessing the toxicity of chemicals and/or the identity of bio-aerosols.
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key findings from complex data analysis
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Self-reliant and self-motivating.
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of data analysis and analytical support
• Ability to travel when required
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable

• Experience using R/linux-based complex data analysis
• Experience with High Throughput DNA sequencing
• Experience in public health
• Practical experience in molecular biology
• Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks.
• Strategic thinking – ability to anticipate
• Skills for project management
• Ability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans
• Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change

Benefits

Working for the UKHSA

At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation.

Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.

Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing, and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.

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. 

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.

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve an interview ideally in person.

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-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.

A competency based framework will be used to assess during the interview stage.

For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 16th July 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.

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

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.