Job responsibilities
Further duties include:
- Assist the lab manager with regular checks on maintenance of equipment and laboratory safety procedures.
- Show initiative in problem solving, overcoming obstacles and interpreting complex experimental data, seeing the big picture of how biodosimetry can be used in real-life situations of radiation overexposure.
- Contribute to teaching of undergraduate, masters & PhD students.
- Contribute to radiation and wider emergency response activities of UKHSA through internal/external exercising.
- Assist with monitoring of lab stocks & finances.
- Be able to work alone, unsupervised.
- Undertake peer reviews of submitted publications prepared by outside individuals as required by journals.
- Participate/contribute directly to regular Group discussions/meetings.
- Contribute to teaching of undergraduate, masters & PhD students.
- Contribute to radiation and wider emergency response activities of UKHSA through internal/external exercising.
- Assist with monitoring of lab stocks & finances.
- Be able to work alone, unsupervised.
- Undertake peer reviews of submitted publications prepared by outside individuals as required by journals.
- Participate/contribute directly to regular Group discussions/meetings.
Some of these duties will entail working alone and unsupervised while others will require supervision. The postholder will be expected to carry out accurate scientific work in accordance with established procedures and protocols. Input to method/protocol development and troubleshooting is also expected. This will require a good understanding and level of knowledge of the methods and underlying principles as well as technical and analytical skills. Suitable training will be provided to allow the postholder to develop their skills and any personal development within the role.
Training
Providing assistance in practical exercises and demonstrations, including work experience students, undergraduate visitors and public and patient engagement and involvement activities. Continue to develop skills and qualifications related to statistical analysis and data evaluation.
Emergency Response
Active participation in the UKHSAs response to radiological emergencies, in accordance with the roles described in the RCCE Emergency Plan. These roles will include logistics support, monitoring control team, cytogenetics team and support to the incident director.
This position is for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individualwith previous relevant experience in biological dosimetry and/or data analysis to provide support to senior scientists whilst developing their own skills and experience to become an independent scientist in their own right. The successful candidate will lead and contribute towards existing and future research projects across a number of topics related to biological dosimetry.
It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
The above is not an exhaustive list and is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and the UKHSA.
Essential Criteria
- Degree level qualification in biological sciences or a related discipline.
- Post-graduate degree and / or equivalent or significant experience related to biology, physics or data science.
- Experience of analysing and presenting complex information in a variety of formats to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience in biological dosimetry techniques and/or related experimental work.
- Understanding of radiobiology and radiation protection.
- Experience of dealing with radiobiological data and an understanding of uncertainties.
- Excellent communication skills, including writing reports; making scientific and more public-facing presentations, and an ability to form and maintain productive and working relationships.
- Excellent project management and planning skills, including good time management and ability to prioritise, work under pressure and work to tight deadlines.
- Experience of independently leading projects.
- Ability to meet deadlines and strong problem-solving skills and using initiative.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a team.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of teaching/training students.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Competency.
Application & Sift
At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.
You will be required to complete an:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- Up to 1,000 word Supporting Statement
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500, but your Supporting Statement must be no more than 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over 1,000 words.
Your Supporting Statement should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and Supporting Statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.
Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all Essential Criteria
- Meets some Essential Criteria
- Meets no Essential Criteria
Only those meeting "all Essential Criteria" will progress to Shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria:
- Experience in biological dosimetry techniques and/or related experimental work.
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Interview
You will be invited to a face-to-face interview.
In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Interview location and dates to be confirmed.
During the interview we will assess your knowledge, experience, skills and abilities based on the Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Salary Information
SEO Outer: £44,148 - £50,121 per annum, pro rata
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our site Chilton Scientific Campus, Didcot, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX.
Please note, hybrid working is not available for this role.
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 Counter-Terrorist Check. 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 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.
