Radiation Protection Adviser

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A vacancy exists for a qualified Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) to support STFC's science programmes, or for an exceptional candidate who is within 12 months of submitting their first RPA portfolio. You will be supporting an organisation with a strong safety culture to achieve and maintain the highest radiation safety and environmental standards. As part of a small team of Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Advisers, you will provide practical advice and support to enable the performance of world-class science within UKRI's cutting-edge facilities. You will work closely with engineers, scientists, designers and safety professionals, striving to optimise radiation exposures within an established but continually developing science campus. You will be involved in the development and implementation of radiation protection control measures that are seamlessly integrated into STFC work practices and procedures.

Duties

• Provide operational radiation protection advice and support to STFC management, divisions, departments and staff at all levels on the requirements of all relevant radiation safety and environmental legislation, established best practice, and the organisation's documented radiation management systems.
• Provide leadership for radiological safety and related matters across site, ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place for radiation protection and maintaining the STFC suite of radiation safety codes.
• Drive continuous improvement in radiological safety management and protection, including consideration of UKRI Net Zero targets.
• Act as a primary contact with UK regulatory authorities (e.g., Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, Office for Nuclear Regulation); lead regulatory inspections on behalf of the organisation and communicate directly with the regulator on radiological protection matters, including statutory reports and responding to inspection feedback or enforcement action.
• Undertake visits, audits and reviews to assess compliance with legislation and STFC radiation management systems, providing written reports and recommendations on remedial actions and assisting to improve radiation protection arrangements.
• Interpret radiation protection data (including monitoring results, dosimetry records and outputs of modelling codes such as Fluka/MCNP) to assess workplace risks and maintain documented radiation risk assessments, advising on effective health and safety controls.
• Provide advice and recommendations during planning, design, construction, commissioning and testing of new or modified radiation facilities, with responsibility and design approval for all radiation shielding and protection systems.
• Review and advise on the results of personal dosimetry and environmental radiation monitoring; advise on the selection, use, maintenance and testing of radiation monitoring equipment.
• Review and investigate (as appropriate) radiation safety incidents, advising on remedial or preventative actions and communicating learnings across the organisation.
• Develop and deliver radiation training programmes.
• Attend and provide quarterly RPA/RWA reports to relevant SHE committees.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to STFC and SHE Group staff on radiation safety matters where appropriate.
• Coordinate with other UKRI Research Councils on radiation protection and shared compliance; where appointed, provide RPA/RWA advice to science facilities across the wider UKRI estate and deputise for or support other STFC RPA/RWAs as required.

Essential Shortlisting Criteria

• Qualified to degree level in a relevant scientific or numerate discipline. Exceptional candidates without a degree who have equivalent qualifications or extensive RPA experience will be considered.
• RPA Certificate of Competence issued by RPA 2000, or evidence sufficient for submission of a first portfolio within 12 months.
• Thorough understanding and extensive practical application of IRR17, EPR and other ionising radiation-related regulations to a variety of workplaces, including academic or high-technology sectors.
• Practical experience of selecting and using radiation monitoring equipment, detectors, dosimetry and dose control.
• Ability to work unsupervised, and as part of a small RP team, managing own workload efficiently and reliably.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work and influence staff at all levels.
• Excellent IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and databases.

Desirable Shortlisting Criteria

• RWA Certificate of Competence issued by RPA 2000.

Other Requirements

• Available to work and travel in the UK when required, and occasionally abroad.
• Available to work flexibly, e.g., occasionally outside of normal working hours/weekends. The role does not require on-call working.

Benefits

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, generous pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant. As one of Europe's largest research organisations, this is a place where there is always something new to learn about the world around us, about your career, and about yourself.

If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and covering letter, outlining your motivation for joining STFC and how you fulfil the criteria specified. Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, sponsorship costs may be payable to the UK Home Office as part of your application. UKRI normally reimburses some or all of these fees after you become an employee, where applicable.