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- Tasks: Lead research on fire safety, focusing on combustion-related topics and practical applications.
- Company: Join the Health and Safety Executive, a key player in ensuring workplace safety across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety while working on diverse and exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced scientists or engineers with a background in fire safety or related fields.
- Other info: Contribute to significant research that shapes policy and regulatory practices in health and safety.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Science Division (SD) of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are looking for experienced scientists or engineers, to take a senior role in our Fire Safety Team within the Major Hazards Group. The team's main focus is supporting HSE in understanding a variety of combustion-related topics through the delivery of theoretical and practical research (both lab-based and large-scale). Outputs are used to develop evidence based policy and guidance.
Examples of recent work include:
- the safe use of hydraulic fluids in mines
- fire spread in insulation foams
- evaluation of fire detectors
- combustion hazards related to the use of bio-digesters
The team also supports HSE in its regulatory function by providing scientific support to HSE inspectors, often following industrial incidents. In recent years these have included tunnel and mines fires, warehouse fires, fork lift truck fires and timber frame fires. The team also works closely with the Building Safety Regulator, delivering research and providing support to this important area of HSE’s remit.
Our work is not limited to supporting HSE’s policy and regulatory functions. You can expect to contribute to a diverse range of projects in the health and safety sector including research projects, consultancy or delivery of training for commercial customers and other government departments.
Principal Fire Scientist/Engineer employer: HSE Health and Safety Executive
Contact Detail:
HSE Health and Safety Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Fire Scientist/Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fire safety and engineering sectors. Attend industry conferences, workshops, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in fire safety research.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on recent developments in fire safety regulations and technologies. Familiarise yourself with the latest research papers and case studies related to combustion hazards and fire safety practices to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in fire safety projects. Be ready to share specific examples of your contributions to research or incident investigations, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for fire safety and public health. During interviews, express your commitment to improving safety standards and how your background aligns with the mission of the Health and Safety Executive.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Fire Scientist/Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations of a Principal Fire Scientist/Engineer. Highlight your relevant experience in combustion-related research and any specific projects that align with the work of the Health and Safety Executive.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to emphasise your expertise in fire safety, theoretical and practical research, and any previous roles that involved supporting regulatory functions. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for the hiring team to identify your qualifications.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for fire safety and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the role. Mention specific examples of your work related to fire hazards, regulatory support, or collaboration with government departments.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at HSE Health and Safety Executive
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Fire Scientist/Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of combustion-related topics. Be prepared to discuss your previous research and practical experiences, especially those that align with the HSE's focus areas like fire spread in insulation foams or the safe use of hydraulic fluids.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about past incidents you've dealt with, such as tunnel fires or warehouse incidents, and be ready to explain how you approached these challenges and what outcomes resulted from your actions.
✨Understand HSE's Role and Objectives
Familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety Executive's mission and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you articulate how your skills and experiences can contribute to their goals, particularly in supporting regulatory functions and developing evidence-based policies.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
The role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects, especially those involving cross-functional teams or partnerships with other government departments, to show that you can effectively communicate and work with diverse groups.
