Principal Radiation Protection Scientist - Electromagnetic Field Dosimetry

UK Health Security Agency; Chilton; Hybrid; GBP 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A government health agency in Chilton is seeking a research project leader to focus on EMF exposure assessment. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline and extensive experience in project management. Responsibilities include leading research projects, preparing scientific materials, and managing specialized measurement facilities. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for professional development within a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Comprehensive pension scheme

Qualifications

• PhD level qualification in an appropriate scientific or public health discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in scientific project management, coordinating work with external scientists.
• Proficiency in scientific data analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects on EMF exposure assessment.
• Prepare scientific review materials for publications.
• Manage numerical simulation platforms and measurement facilities.

Skills

Scientific project management

Data analysis

Experimental dosimetry

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Scientific data analysis software

EMF measurement equipment

Job description

Overview

UKHSA'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. The Radiation Dosimetry Department delivers authoritative public health information on lasers, optical radiation, electromagnetic fields and ionising radiation used for medical diagnostic imaging and serves as the secretariat to the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE). The Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Dosimetry Group, based in Chilton, Oxfordshire, assesses exposure characteristics of emerging and established EMF technologies and provides national guidance and support to operational services.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, plan, lead and execute specialist research or equivalent advisory projects on EMF exposure assessment, including experimental and numerical dosimetry.
• Lead writing and maintenance of UKHSA advice on EMF exposure, including webpages and published guidance.
• Prepare scientific review material for UKHSA publications and provide consultancy input and secretariat support to advisory committees such as COMARE.
• Develop and disseminate advice in response to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), enquiries from public officials, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Assist the Group Leader with general management duties: health and safety risk assessments, quality assurance audits, and proposals for new business opportunities.
• Manage numerical simulation platforms, perform required updates and upgrades.
• Develop and maintain specialist measurement facilities and equipment for experimental dosimetry, ensuring health and safety procedures are adhered to and supervising others in their use.
• Prepare authoritative scientific reports, papers and presentations for publication and national/international conferences.
• Represent UKHSA at local, national and international meetings and support UKHSA emergency plans, typically at the level of operations support manager of an RCCE emergency cell.
• Work occasional irregular hours and travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.

Qualifications

• PhD level qualification 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 experimental dosimetry, sufficient to be recognised nationally and internationally.
• Experience in scientific project management, coordinating collaborative work with UKHSA and external scientists.
• Extensive experience in publishing scientific reports and peer‑reviewed papers.
• Experience presenting at national and international scientific meetings and conferences.
• Proficiency in scientific data analysis software.
• Working knowledge of Information Governance, including freedom of information and data protection.
• Ability to manipulate equipment and perform experiments in the EMF laboratory, operate a DSE workstation, load/unload measurement equipment, and possess a full UK driving licence.
• Committed to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of numerical dosimetry.
• Experience with specialised EMF measurement equipment (network analysers, spectrum analysers, field probes) and numerical simulation platforms.
• Comprehensive understanding of health and safety aspects of running an experimental dosimetry laboratory and risk management in the context of health and safety legislation.
• Broad knowledge of health protection and public health topics.
• Training and experience in emergency response.

Professional Development

• Identify and discuss professional performance and training needs with line manager through appraisal and individual development plan.
• Participate in all mandatory training, including fire safety, information governance and other required training.

Application Procedure

• Complete the application form, including the 'Employer/Activity history' section.
• Submit a supporting statement (maximum 1500 words) outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge demonstrate suitability for the role.
• Selected candidates will be invited to a face‑to‑face interview (remote interview may be offered in some circumstances).
• During the interview, you will prepare and present a 5‑10 minute presentation on a topic of the sponsor's choice.
• Feedback will only be provided to candidates who attend an interview or assessment.

Eligibility & Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals.
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK.
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme.
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme.
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.
• Current full UK driving licence and ability to drive vehicles to off‑site locations.
• Ability to carry out a Counter Terrorism Check and Basic Personnel Security Standard clearance.

Security Clearance

• Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
• Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).
• Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: £58,340 per annum. UK Health Security Agency contributes £16,901 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Benefits include learning and development tailored to the role, flexible working options, a culture encouraging inclusion and diversity, and a pension contribution of 28.97 %.

Location & Working Arrangements

The role is based at the Chilton Scientific Campus in Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ. Key working relationships will be with internal staff across RCCE and external stakeholders, including government departments, NHS organisations, and international bodies. Regular travel within the UK and occasional overseas travel may be required.