Go back
UK Health Security Agency

Laboratories Supervisor

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

PDS (Personal Dosimetry Service) is a commercial service, approved by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), that is responsible for:

  • Measuring and reporting the radiation doses to employees working with ionising radiations in various sectors, such as industrial, research and medical.
  • Using passive personal dosemeters, which are worn by the workers and then sent back to PDS for analysis.
  • Contributing to UKHSA's expertise and advice on radiation matters and generates a significant income for UKHSA.
  • Employing around 25 people and serves over 80,000 workers in the UK and abroad.

As a Laboratories Supervisor, you will be part of the laboratories team that supports PDS with ensuring the effective issuing and processing of customer dosemeters. You will be responsible for supervising the day to day running of the PDS dosemeter laboratories, ensuring an efficient and smooth service for our 7000+ customers. This will involve planning, prioritising and participating in the routine work, allocating staff to tasks and ensuring issue and processing targets are met for an average of approx. 9,000 radiation dosemeters/week.

PDS also has an emergency response function for population monitoring in the event of a radiation incident. The Laboratory Supervisor will help the Lab in its response to an incident, liaising with Process Manager and other PDS staff as needed.

Main duties of the job

The post holder's main duties will involve:

  • Participating in the day-to-day work of the Laboratory and maintaining a high level of efficiency in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Supervise a team which is responsible for the processing and issuing of 9,000 dosemeters per week to over 7,000 commercial customers.
  • Managing resources (staff and equipment) to meet issue and processing targets, taking decisions on work planning and task allocation to meet demand.
  • Liaising/negotiating with colleagues and other teams to inform these decisions and ensure smooth issue and assessment of customer dosemeters.
  • Being responsible for the routine technical aspects of the service such as monitoring and management of equipment, investigating and acting upon results which fail QA.
  • Dealing with problems, e.g. in changes to requirements, software errors, IT failures, supplier failures, by prompt liaison with external and internal colleagues.
  • Responding to and resolve customer queries and liaising with customers to provide interpretation of results and advice on personal dosimetry.
  • plan ahead for the work of laboratories, based on expected demand, ensuring the teams deliver an excellent level of customer service that meets the relevant quality standards; reliable, prompt, courteous and clearly communicated.

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 https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

17 February 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£29,109 to £34,131 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-HM-50003291-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Fully supporting all laboratory technicians, managing up to 3 staff.
  • Managing resources to ensure the service runs effectively
  • Meeting issue and processing targets for the dosimetry service.
  • Monitoring staff development via appraisals, objective-setting and training
  • Monitoring and management of equipment
  • Communication effectively with colleagues, suppliers and customers
  • To help provide excellent customer service.
  • Responding to and resolving customer queries and liaising with customers; providing interpretation of results and advice on personal dosimetry
  • Prioritising workloads and work patterns as necessary to meet requirements
  • Maintenance of equipment and liaison with suppliers
  • Ensuring that working practice instructions and user manuals are updated
  • Giving feedback in regular office meetings and raising suggestions for improving working practices; meetings can be weekly, monthly or with any other agreed regularity

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 Qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application

  • 750 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.

Please note that you will only be assessed on the essential criteria listed within the advert and not all those listed in the job description.

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 essentialcriteria

  • Meets some essential criteria

  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

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

  • Experience of working in a team

Please do not exceed 750 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) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

There will be a 5 minute presentation at interview, full details of the subject 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 labs, 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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Fully supporting all laboratory technicians, managing up to 3 staff.
  • Managing resources to ensure the service runs effectively
  • Meeting issue and processing targets for the dosimetry service.
  • Monitoring staff development via appraisals, objective-setting and training
  • Monitoring and management of equipment
  • Communication effectively with colleagues, suppliers and customers
  • To help provide excellent customer service.
  • Responding to and resolving customer queries and liaising with customers; providing interpretation of results and advice on personal dosimetry
  • Prioritising workloads and work patterns as necessary to meet requirements
  • Maintenance of equipment and liaison with suppliers
  • Ensuring that working practice instructions and user manuals are updated
  • Giving feedback in regular office meetings and raising suggestions for improving working practices; meetings can be weekly, monthly or with any other agreed regularity

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 Qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application

  • 750 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.

Please note that you will only be assessed on the essential criteria listed within the advert and not all those listed in the job description.

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 essentialcriteria

  • Meets some essential criteria

  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

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

  • Experience of working in a team

Please do not exceed 750 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) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

There will be a 5 minute presentation at interview, full details of the subject 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 labs, 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

Qualifications

Essential

  • 1 A-Level (Science based) + 3 GCSEs (Maths, English and Science), or equivalent experience

Knowledge and experience 1

Essential

  • Experience of working in a scientific environment, including extensive experience of working in a commercial environment to include direct contact with customers

Knowledge and experience 2

Essential

  • Experience of working in a team

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 1

Essential

  • Excellent customer care skills, which includes the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 2

Essential

  • Ability to form good working relationships with customers, staff and suppliers; working flexibly within the PDS team.

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 3

Essential

  • Excellent organisational and planning skills; including prioritisation

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 4

Essential

  • Good analytical and decision-making skills

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 5

Essential

  • Competent computer skills (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and web-based products), including a good understanding of computer record functions and processes
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 1 A-Level (Science based) + 3 GCSEs (Maths, English and Science), or equivalent experience

Knowledge and experience 1

Essential

  • Experience of working in a scientific environment, including extensive experience of working in a commercial environment to include direct contact with customers

Knowledge and experience 2

Essential

  • Experience of working in a team

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 1

Essential

  • Excellent customer care skills, which includes the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 2

Essential

  • Ability to form good working relationships with customers, staff and suppliers; working flexibly within the PDS team.

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 3

Essential

  • Excellent organisational and planning skills; including prioritisation

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 4

Essential

  • Good analytical and decision-making skills

Skills / capabilities/ behaviours 5

Essential

  • Competent computer skills (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and web-based products), including a good understanding of computer record functions and processes

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Chilton

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Chilton

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing Officer

Harry Mccullagh

harry.mccullagh@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

17 February 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£29,109 to £34,131 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-HM-50003291-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)