Principal Radiation Protection Scientist in Aylesbury

The UKHSA Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate protects the public from chemical, radiological and environmental risks, providing expert advice, research and emergency response as a Category 1 responder. Within this, the Radiation Dosimetry Department delivers authoritative advice on optical radiation, electromagnetic fields (EMF), and ionising radiation in medical imaging. Its work includes calibration facilities, exposure assessment, dosimetry research, health risk evaluation, standards development, training, and international collaboration, as well as supporting COMARE.

The Electromagnetic Fields Dosimetry (EMFD) Group focuses on assessing exposure to EMF from technologies such as mobile phones, base stations and power lines. It acts as the UKHSA national contact point for EMF public health advice, contributing to research, policy, standards, and environmental monitoring. The group also develops assessment methodologies, measurement infrastructure, and supports operational services. Its work is based in two Chilton laboratories dedicated to exposure assessment and dielectric research, and involves high-volume, time-sensitive correspondence.

The role leads the group's research and advisory activities, primarily in radiofrequency EMF, while also covering other frequencies. It involves scientific leadership, rapid response to complex enquiries, contributions to standards and policy, and deputising for the Group Leader.

Main duties of the job

UKHSA's Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate provides advice, research and services to protect the public from chemical, radiological and environmental hazards. It supports UKHSA's role as a Category 1 responder to radiation and chemical emergencies and delivers specialist assessment, alongside research including work with NIHR Health Protection Research Units.

The Radiation Dosimetry Department provides public health advice on exposure to lasers and optical radiation, electromagnetic fields (EMF), and ionising radiation in medical imaging, and serves as secretariat to COMARE. Its work includes calibration facilities, dosimetry research, exposure assessments, standards development, training, and collaboration with national and international bodies.

The Electromagnetic Fields Dosimetry (EMFD) Group assesses exposure from EMF technologies such as mobile phones, base stations and power lines. It leads UKHSA's advice on EMF health impacts, contributes to regulations, conducts research and monitoring, develops exposure assessment methods, and supports measurement infrastructure.

Based in Chilton, the Group operates two laboratories and manages high volumes of time-critical work. This role leads research and advisory activities, mainly at radiofrequencies, and supports the Group Leader.

Job responsibilities

• Initiate, plan, lead and deliver specialist research or advisory projects on electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, including experimental and numerical dosimetry, managing others as required.
• Lead development and maintenance of UKHSA advice on EMF exposure, including website content.
• Prepare scientific reviews for UKHSA publications and provide consultancy input and secretariat support to advisory committees (e.g. COMARE).
• Provide advice on NSIPs and respond to enquiries from officials, the public, industry and stakeholders.
• Support the Group Leader with management duties, including health and safety risk assessments, audits and business development.
• Maintain numerical simulation platforms, including updates and upgrades.
• Manage specialist measurement facilities and equipment for experimental dosimetry, ensuring safe use and supervising others.
• Produce scientific reports and peer reviewed publications.
• Deliver presentations at national/international conferences, training courses, and represent UKHSA externally.
• Support UKHSA emergency response, typically as an operations support manager within RCCE emergency cells.
• Occasional irregular hours and UK/overseas travel required.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Identify and address development needs through appraisal and training. Complete all mandatory training (e.g. fire safety, information governance).

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including:

• Regular interaction with Group Leader, Head of Department and RCCE staff.
• Frequent engagement across RCCE Directorates, other departments and Health Protection Operations.
• Stakeholders including government departments, devolved administrations, industry, local authorities, NHS and professional bodies, often acting independently.
• Members of the public within their area of expertise.
• Equipment suppliers and contractors.
• National and international organisations in radiation protection; occasionally acting as sole UKHSA or UK representative with a high degree of autonomy.

Essential Criteria

• Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health / health protection discipline or equivalent experience in electromagnetic field (EMF) dosimetry, radiation physics, bioelectromagnetics, or a closely related scientific discipline, demonstrated through a substantial track record of independent research, peer-reviewed publications, and recognised technical expertise.
• 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 Criteria

• Theoretical 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.
• 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.
• Knowledge of QA procedures and audits.
• Training/experience in emergency response.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Strengths/Experience/Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1500 word supporting statement. 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.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V 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.

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the piles Meets all essential criteria and Meets some essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting. In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Qualification to PhD level in an appropriate scientific or public health / health protection discipline or equivalent experience in electromagnetic field (EMF) dosimetry, radiation physics, bioelectromagnetics, or a closely related scientific discipline, demonstrated through a substantial track record of independent research, peer-reviewed publications, and recognised technical expertise.
• Post-doctoral experience sufficient to undertake experimental and numerical EMF dosimetry research with minimal input from line management.
• Experience in planning and execution of complex scientific projects, identifying and managing risks appropriately.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at Chilton (Didcot), OX11 0RQ. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours/Strengths/Experience/Technical skills will be tested at interview. There will be a 5-7 min presentation on the latest technical project you have delivered. Further information will be provided to candidates at interview stage.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Seeing the big picture (Lead Behaviour)
• Communication and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at pace

Interviews dates are to be confirmed. 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 (Didcot). Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. Based at our scientific campus, 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

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information

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.