UK Health Security Agency

Researcher on Light Exposures, Lasers and Health

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Interested why light matters for health? Looking to apply your skills to make a real difference? Then join our dynamic team at UK Health Security Agency.

The role of the UKHSA's Laser and Optical Radiation Dosimetry Group is to assess exposure to optical radiation, including lasers, sunlight, lighting and sunbeds. It investigates the impact of light on health and well-being and undertakes research to improve the evidence base for advice.

The post-holder will contribute to the scientific research, provision of highly specialized scientific services and development work. The work requires a wide range of skills built on solid practical and theoretical foundations in physics or optical technologies. A general awareness of wider public health disciplines including biology and epidemiology is also required.

Location

UKHSA, Chilton, OX11 0RQ (Hybrid)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offers hybrid working - this means that whilst the role will be based in Chilton, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. UKHSA have office locations across the UK.

The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business needs and in line with departmental policy.

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

Main duties of the job

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

  • The assessment of exposure to optical radiation including lasers by measurement and modelling for a range of exposure sources and situations; writing technical reports incorporating the results and recommendations for safe use.
  • Developing methodologies and instrumentation for the assessment of exposure to optical radiation including lasers.
  • Laboratory work and scientific functions. These will involve physics, mathematical modelling, biology, epidemiology, laboratory work, and engineering as appropriate.
  • Contributing to externally funded research and services work, including lectures and other support with training courses.
  • Technical, computing and analytical work underpinning the assessment of exposure of people to optical radiation.
  • Use and maintenance of complex scientific equipment, including spectroradiometers, range of radiometers and calibration systems, and use of a range of software including software developed in- house.
  • Routine maintenance checks on specialised laboratory facilities, and confirmation of the satisfactory safe operation.

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.

About us

Working for the UKHSA

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

The UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organization for all our staff and society. 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.

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.
  • 26 days annual leave allowance increasing to 32 days after a 10-year service.

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 atChildcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

Details

Date posted

06 November 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£32,469 to £39,532 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

NE-UKHSA00845

Job locations

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

Your Statement of Suitability (max 1000 words) 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).

**Please do not submit your CV, we require you to complete the full application process including a Personal Statement/Statement of Suitability, as outlined below. Please ensure that your Statement of Suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document.**

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 face-to-face at our Chiton location.

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 candidates experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close:23:55hrs on 26thNovember 2023 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:W/C 11thDecember 2023

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)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
  • Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run aDisability Confident Scheme (DCS)for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

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.

A basic check is required.

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&Cs 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/

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

Your Statement of Suitability (max 1000 words) 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).

**Please do not submit your CV, we require you to complete the full application process including a Personal Statement/Statement of Suitability, as outlined below. Please ensure that your Statement of Suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document.**

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 face-to-face at our Chiton location.

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 candidates experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close:23:55hrs on 26thNovember 2023 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:W/C 11thDecember 2023

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)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
  • Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run aDisability Confident Scheme (DCS)for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

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.

A basic check is required.

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&Cs 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/

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level in a physical science, or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level in specialist area

Desirable

  • MSc or PhD in a physical science

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Experience of optical radiation sources including lasers and applications
  • Experience in spectroscopy and instrumentation for optical radiation measurements
  • Understanding and ability to apply optics theory
  • Technical competence in taking measurements coupled with good numerate ability.

Desirable

  • Postgraduate or on-the-job experience of scientific work gained in a project or research environment
  • Good understanding of radiation protection principles
  • Experience in the provision of training
  • Training/experience in emergency response

Skills and Capabilities

Essential

  • Ability to balance competing priorities while still delivering at pace. Good organisational skills and ability to work largely unsupervised.
  • Confident in use of Microsoft office packages, especially Word and Excel
  • Current full UK driving license and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations

Desirable

  • Ability to assess complex situations and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation
  • Ability to communicate effectively, formally, informally, orally and in writing (including presentation of scientific work) to colleagues, customers, and representatives from other organisations
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level in a physical science, or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level in specialist area

Desirable

  • MSc or PhD in a physical science

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Experience of optical radiation sources including lasers and applications
  • Experience in spectroscopy and instrumentation for optical radiation measurements
  • Understanding and ability to apply optics theory
  • Technical competence in taking measurements coupled with good numerate ability.

Desirable

  • Postgraduate or on-the-job experience of scientific work gained in a project or research environment
  • Good understanding of radiation protection principles
  • Experience in the provision of training
  • Training/experience in emergency response

Skills and Capabilities

Essential

  • Ability to balance competing priorities while still delivering at pace. Good organisational skills and ability to work largely unsupervised.
  • Confident in use of Microsoft office packages, especially Word and Excel
  • Current full UK driving license and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations

Desirable

  • Ability to assess complex situations and interpret detailed documents that may include legislation
  • Ability to communicate effectively, formally, informally, orally and in writing (including presentation of scientific work) to colleagues, customers, and representatives from other organisations

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

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

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:

RPO Talent Partner

Nicoleta Enciu

UKHSA.Recruitment@reed.com

Details

Date posted

06 November 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£32,469 to £39,532 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

NE-UKHSA00845

Job locations

Chilton

Didcot

OX11 0RQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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