Job Title

Salary£58,340 - £68,574 per annum, pro rata - Civil service grade 7Location Hybrid role based at our scientific campus in Chilton, OxfordshireJob overviewUKHSA’s Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate provides advice, research and services to protect the public from exposure to chemicals and poisons, ionising and non-ionising radiation, and other environmental hazards. RCCE provides a specialist assessment and advice function within UKHSA’s overall response as a Category 1 responder to radiation and chemical emergencies. RCCE has an extensive and diverse research function part of which is carried out in the context of NIHR Health Protection Research Units.The Radiation Dosimetry Department provides authoritative public health information and advice about exposures to lasers and optical radiation, electromagnetic fields, and ionising radiation used for medical diagnostic imaging. In addition, the department provides the secretariat to the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE).The work of the Department encompasses the provision and maintenance of calibration facilities, research programmes of physical measurement and theoretical dosimetry, health hazard exposure assessments, and the development of standards. It includes the provision of training courses, and liaison and collaborative input to national and international bodies concerned with setting and promulgating standards for protection.The Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Dosimetry Group's role is to assess exposure characteristics of emerging and established EMF technologies, including mobiles phones, base stations and power lines. The group acts as the national contact point for UKHSA’s advice on the public health aspects of exposures to EMFs, input to regulations; research on health impacts and environmental monitoring of exposures to EMFs; training and input to the international and national guidance and standards on exposure to EMFs; development of methodology of public and occupational exposure assessments, and measurement infrastructure; support to the EMF capabilities of the Operational Services Department.The EMFD Group has two laboratories at Chilton in Oxfordshire; one primarily used for EMF exposure investigations and maintenance of measurement equipment, and the other for dielectric properties research. The Group carries a heavy burden of correspondence, with high-level requests and short deadlines arriving on a daily basis.Main duties of the jobWe are currently looking for a Principal Radiation Protection Scientist - Electromagnetic Field Dosimetry whose main duties will include:To initiate, plan, lead and execute specialist research or equivalent advisory projects related to the assessment of exposure to electromagnetic fields, including experimental and numerical dosimetry and managing the work of others as necessary.To provide the lead in writing and maintaining elements of published UKHSA advice on exposure to electromagnetic fields, including webpages.To prepare scientific review material for UKHSA publications, including consultancy input and secretariat support for advisory and other high-level committees, e.g. the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE).To prepare and disseminate advice in response to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), enquiries from public officials, members of the public, industry and other stakeholders.To assist the Group Leader in conducting general management duties, for example in carrying out health and safety risk assessments, quality assurance audits and preparing proposals for new business opportunities.To manage and maintain numerical simulation platforms, perform required updates and upgrades if necessary.To manage and develop specialist measurement facilities and equipment related to experimental dosimetry, ensuring health and safety procedures are adhered to and supervising others in the use of equipment.To prepare authoritative scientific reports and papers for publication.To prepare and deliver scientific presentations at national and international conferences and for training courses and represent UKHSA at local, national and international meetings.To provide support in UKHSA emergency plans, typically at the level of operations support manager of one of the RCCE emergency cells.There will be an occasional need to work irregular hours. There will also be a requirement to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.Essential CriteriaQualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health/health protection discipline or equivalent experience.Post-doctoral experience sufficient to undertake experimental and numerical EMF dosimetry research with minimal input from line management.Theoretical and practical knowledge within the area of experimental dosimetry, sufficient to be acknowledged nationally and internationally.Experience in scientific project management and co-ordinating collaborative work with UKHSA and non-UKHSA scientists.Extensive experience in publishing scientific reports and peer-reviewed papers.Experience in giving presentations at national /international scientific meetings and conferences.Ability to interpret and explain the relevance of empirical findings in a wider multidisciplinary context for discussion at meetings, conferences and publication in the peer-reviewed literature.Experience in planning and execution of complex scientific projects, identifying and managing risks appropriately.Confident and proficient in the use of scientific data analysis software.Working knowledge of Information Governance i.e. freedom of information and data protection.Able to manipulate equipment and perform experiments in the EMF laboratory.Able to operate a DSE workstation.Able to load/unload measurement equipment from vehicles when performing surveys.Current full UK driving licence and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations.An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.Desirable CriteriaTheoretical and practical knowledge within the area of numerical dosimetry, sufficient to be acknowledged nationally and internationally.Experience in the appropriate use of specialised EMF measurement equipment, including network analysers, spectrum analysers and field probes.Experience in the use of specialised EMF numerical simulation platforms, including device and process design and interactions with anatomical phantoms.Experience in planning and execution of complex scientific projects, identifying and managing risks appropriately.Comprehensive understanding of the health and safety aspects of running an experimental dosimetry laboratory.An understanding of risk management in the context of health and safety legislation.Broad knowledge of a wide range of Health protection/Public health related topics.Training/experience in emergency response.For all job details, please click 'apply' whereby you will be redirected to the role on HealthJobsUK.