Radiation Protection Scientist

Job summary

The Radiation Metrology Group delivers a comprehensive national capability in the field of practical and reliable measurement and interpretation of external ionising radiation measurements. The job holder will be working across the Instrument Testing Service and Environmental Survey teams, as well as providing some input to projects in Radiation Metrology. This will involve performing regulatory periodic testing of radiation protection instrumentation, performing environmental surveys around and upon nuclear licensed sites, the preparation of scientific reports and certificates, updating information in a database, and the logistics of collection/dispatch of instruments.

Main duties of the job

The job holder will be required to:

• Work as part of a small team of scientists, which is responsible for the processing of up to several thousand instrument tests per year using specialised precision equipment.
• Participate in the day-to-day work of the laboratories whilst ensuring that a high level of accuracy is maintained, in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Fulfil UKHSA's emergency response obligations as a Category 1 responder, for example via other government and regulatory departments as necessary.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information here.

Date posted: 14 April 2025

Pay scheme: Other

Salary: £29,109 to £34,131 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number: 919-HM-302908-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Harwell Campus

Didcot

OX11 0RQ

Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will assist in the delivery of key services provided by Radiation Metrology by:

• Providing provision of regulatory testing and calibration of ionising radiation instrumentation, including operation of specialised equipment, following quality and safety documents, keeping accurate records, performing complex calculations and preparation of scientific reports and certificates.
• Reception and handling of equipment received for testing and dispatch back to customers after testing, including UK and overseas logistics.
• Advising customers verbally via telephone, personally or via e-mail on all aspects of the progress of testing work, which may also include some technical aspects.
• Entering and updating information on the instrument testing databases.
• Processing internal documentation and other routine tasks to facilitate the functions of the Group.
• Providing stock control of instrument spares and raise requisitions as required.
• Carrying out routine quality audits and reviews of the records held, and procedures followed, by the UKAS accredited laboratory.
• Making measurements at and around, and taking samples at nuclear licensed sites in support of projects for the Office of Nuclear Regulation.
• Participation in laboratory exercises and demonstrations of equipment for visitors and course students.
• Providing input to and give short presentations at departmental meetings as part of information sharing with Radiation Metrology staff.
• Performing measurements to ensure the facilities to maintain traceability to national standard.
• Carrying out work to deadlines specified in QA documentation or by line manager.
• Fulfilling emergency role in the Monitoring Coordination team.

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 9 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1000 word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essential criteria and Meets some essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods, challenges, standards and legislation associated with ionizing radiation metrology.

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a Technical Test and a Presentation at interview, full details will be provided at the shortlisting stage.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

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.

Person Specification

Essential criteria 1

• Minimum of 2 Science A-levels, preferably including physics and/or mathematics, or equivalent experience in a physics or related laboratory.

Essential criteria 2

• Ability to analyse scientific and technical problems delivering sound recommendations.

Essential criteria 3

• Systematic approach to maintaining detailed and accurate records.

Essential criteria 4

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office 365 packages.

Essential criteria 5

• Good interpersonal and written communications skills, and able to use the appropriate style and method for a wide range of situations.

Essential criteria 6

• Adaptable and resourceful. Able to manage and prioritise a personal portfolio of short and long term work, to make decisions autonomously, when required, working to tight and often changing timescales.

Essential criteria 7

• Able to use a full range of radiation metrology instruments in laboratory conditions and able to use appropriate instruments during field operations.

Essential criteria 8

• An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Essential criteria 9

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods, challenges, standards and legislation associated with ionizing radiation metrology.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

Employer details

Employer name: UK Health Security Agency

Address: UKHSA Chilton

Harwell Campus

Didcot

OX11 0RQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency