Senior Risk & Process Safety Scientist (Band 3/SEO)

Health and Safety Executive; Earl Sterndale; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A government health agency in the UK is seeking a Senior Risk & Process Safety Scientist to join its Risk team. The role involves applying process safety expertise to diverse health and safety applications, engaging in research projects, and facilitating risk management workshops. Candidates should possess a higher degree in a relevant field and have extensive experience in risk assessment methodologies. The position is part-time, offering minimum 30 hours per week, with occasional travel for meetings.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of process safety and risk management methodologies.
• Proven experience in leading the delivery of scientific or technical projects.
• Experience delivering or facilitating hazard and risk workshops or studies.

Responsibilities

• Apply process safety and risk assessment expertise to research projects.
• Provide technical input in Process Safety topic areas.
• Review and evaluate safety equipment sizing and risk assessments.
• Develop technical solutions for risk identification and management.
• Report outcomes of scientific work to customers.
• Collaborate with colleagues across HSE.

Skills

Process safety expertise

Risk assessment methodologies

Communication skills

Workshop facilitation

Education

Higher degree (Masters or above) in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Overview

Senior Risk & Process Safety Scientist – join the Risk team in the Analysis and Risk Capability Group of Science Division. You will apply process safety expertise and risk assessment methodologies to a wide range of health and safety‑related applications, including new hydrogen facilities, vehicles, major accident hazard sites and the impact of AI in high‑hazard workplaces.

Working Pattern

Part‑time – minimum 30 hours per week.

Travel

Occasional UK and international travel for meetings and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply process safety and risk assessment expertise to research projects for HSE and externally funded projects.
• Provide technical input in Process Safety topic areas including hazard identification, process design, pressure‑relief sizing, inherent safety and specification of other risk reduction measures.
• Review and evaluate safety equipment sizing, safety cases, risk assessments and other technical evidence, including in support of regulatory aspects.
• Develop technical solutions and facilitate workshops for risk identification and management of existing and emerging risks.
• Report outcomes of scientific work through writing reports, papers, presentations and verbal feedback to customers.
• Liaise and collaborate with colleagues across HSE to support multi‑disciplinary teams and offer the best possible service to customers.
• Contribute to the development of future work for the team by seeking opportunities with external organisations and developing bids.

Qualifications & Experience

• Higher degree (Masters or above) or equivalent – e.g., Chemical Engineering – relevant to the advertised role.
• In‑depth understanding of process safety and risk management methodologies for high‑hazard industries.
• Experience delivering or facilitating hazard and risk workshops or studies.
• Proven experience in leading the delivery of scientific or technical projects.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing and presenting to customers.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Application Guidance

Access the guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-apply/

Sift will take place from 24th November. Interviews will be in person from week commencing 8th December in our Buxton office (HSE, Harpur Hill, Buxton SK17 9JN). An oral presentation of 5–8 minutes may be required.

All applications must be completed through the Civil Service Jobs portal. This role will not be advertised in other channels.