Radiation Protection Scientist

UK Health Security Agency; Camden Town; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A health security organization in the United Kingdom is seeking individuals for a specialized role in radiation protection. Responsibilities include assessments of X-ray equipment and lasers, providing expert advice, and supporting professional development. The position offers a hybrid working model and competitive pay ranging from £28,547 to £35,576 based on location.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme

Flexible working patterns

Generous leave package

Qualifications

• Science degree or equivalent in a science discipline, or significant experience in scientific support of radiation protection services.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Visit commercial clients to carry out technical assessments of X-ray equipment.
• Review assessment results and produce reports for radiation generators.
• Provide medical physics expertise for optimisation of dental X-ray exposures.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Technical competence in making measurements

Strong numeracy

Ability to work accurately under pressure

Good organisational skills

Education

Science degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)

Job description

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security, taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health. UKHSA’s remit is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health.

Job Overview

This role provides highly specialised scientific services related to radiation protection, including radiation surveys, assessment of X‑ray equipment, electromagnetic field generators, lasers and related scientific measurements, laboratory work and mathematical modelling. Two positions (Leeds and Chilton) are available.

Responsibilities

• Visit commercial clients (dental practices, airports, etc.) to carry out technical assessments of X‑ray equipment, electromagnetic field generators and lasers.
• Review assessment results, client questionnaires and produce assessment reports for all types of radiation generators, including routine and critical examination/acceptance tests.
• Assist with technical project work involving scientific measurements, laboratory work and mathematical modelling.
• Assess and comment on dose measurements to dental patients.
• Provide medical physics expertise for optimisation of dental X‑ray exposures and quality assurance.
• Recommend improvements to technical protocols and advise line managers.
• Deal with technical queries from staff and clients.
• Carry out leak tests on client premises and routine preparation and analysis of samples in the counting laboratory.
• Assist with testing and maintenance of radiation protection instrumentation.
• Contribute to training courses run by the department.
• Provide monitoring assistance as specified in the RCCE Emergency Plan.

Professional Development

Support includes a comprehensive development scheme, discussions of professional performance and training needs, mandatory training (e.g. fire safety, information governance), and participation in internal and external training events.

Working Relationships

The post holder will communicate regularly with scientific staff, administrative staff, commercial clients and training event participants, ranging from shop‑floor staff to senior managers.

Qualifications & Experience

• Science degree or equivalent in a science discipline, or significant experience in scientific support of radiation protection services.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Technical competence in making measurements and strong numeracy.
• Ability to work accurately, consistently and under pressure, prioritising workload.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• Analytical skills to identify key issues and assess complex situations.
• Good organisational skills and ability to handle data and documentation.
• Experience with legislative documents relevant to the role.

Application Process

Applicants must complete an application form (including an Employment/Activity history section) and submit a 750‑word supporting statement that demonstrates how their skills, experience and knowledge meet the essential criteria. Only the first 750 words will be considered. Applications will be long‑listed into three categories: meets all essential criteria, meets some, and meets none. Successful candidates will advance to interview, where a technical assessment will evaluate Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency.

Eligibility & Nationality Requirements

Applicants must meet Civil Service Nationality Rules and security screening requirements. Eligible groups include:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) – or who have applied for it
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for the EUSS before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with the right to work

Security Checks

• Counter‑terrorist clearance (CTC) required; applicants should have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
• International Police Check may be required if spending more than 6 months abroad in the last 3 years.
• Internal Fraud Hub check for external Civil Service candidates.

Pay & Benefits

• Executive Officer (EO) – £28,547‑£33,196 (National) or £30,441‑£35,576 (Outer London).
• Defined benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
• Retail discounts and cashback site.
• Flexible working patterns (part‑time, job share, condensed hours). All employees may apply for flexible working. Option to work from home and compressed hours.
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave package.

Workplace

Hybrid working model is employed where business needs allow, providing flexibility on where and how staff work.

EEO Statement

UKHSA is an employer of choice that promotes equality of opportunity. Everyone Matters. We actively encourage applications from all groups, particularly those underrepresented in the workforce.