Principal Radiation Protection Scientist
Job Description
Job summary
The UKHSA Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate protects the public from chemical, radiological and environmentalrisks, 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 inmedical imaging. Its work includes calibration facilities, exposure assessment, dosimetry research, health risk evaluation, standards development, training, andinternational 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 andpower lines. It acts as the UKHSA national contact point for EMF public health advice, contributing to research, policy, standards, and environmentalmonitoring. The group also develops assessment methodologies, measurement infrastructure, and supports operational services. Its work is based in twoChilton 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 scientificleadership, 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 fromchemical, radiological and environmental hazards. It supports UKHSA's role as a Category 1 responder to radiation and chemical emergencies and deliversspecialist 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 ionisingradiation 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 supportsmeasurement infrastructure.
Based in Chilton, the Group operates two laboratories and manages high volumes of time-critical work. This role leads research and advisory activities, mainlyat radiofrequencies, and supports the Group Leader.
About us
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
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.
- Job description may be reviewed in line with organisational needs.
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 inan 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,conferencesand publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
- Experience in planning and execution of complex scientific projects,identifyingand 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 tooperatea 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
- Anunderstandingof and commitmenttoequality ofopportunityandgoodworkingrelationships.
Desirable Criteria
- Theoretical and practical knowledge within the area of numerical dosimetry, sufficient to be acknowledged nationally and internationally
- Experience in theappropriate useof specialised EMF measurement equipment, including network analysers, spectrumanalysersand 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
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