Higher Toxicologist

Job summary

The Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCCE) provides evidence and advice to protect health from Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards. To support evidence-anchored advice for Health Security, RCCE undertakes research work with various university partners and other organisations including within Health Protection Research Units (HPRUs) supported by the National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR).

The Toxicology Department provides Public Health advice to other parts of RCCE, the Department of Health and Social Care and other government departments and agencies, Local Authorities and other stakeholders including members of the public on the risks to health from environmental hazards (chemicals, particles and bioaerosols). The Toxicology Department undertakes research that underpins chemical regulation and policy development. All of the research underpins the UKHSA role in public health protection from environmental hazards. The Experimental Toxicology programme within the Toxicology Department undertakes experimental activities using in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the impacts of exposures to chemicals and other environmental pollutants (e.g. nanoparticles, air pollutants, bioaerosols, microplastics) on human health, including to those with pre-existing conditions (e.g. asthma).

Working for your organisation

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 description

• To develop in vitro and in vivo models and methods for characterising exposures and toxicity.
• To collect and prepare samples for analysis as required.
• To provide next generation sequencing support using internal RCCE instrumentation or external service providers.
• To support communication of this highly specialised work to a range of recipients, e.g. colleagues in UKHSA; University Colleagues; Government agencies/departments; or the public, in an appropriate manner.
• To ensure that such advice is documented and recorded in readily retrievable form
• To undertake analysis of epigenetic marks in a range of models and exposures.
• To explore new research and collaborative opportunities with partners
• With others, to be responsible for the analysis of data from multiple different modalities
• When required the post holder will assist in emergency responses and in an emergency situation this work will be considered the primary duty of the post holder.
• The post may involve travel as and when required

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Degree level qualification in toxicology, molecular biology or other related biological discipline
• Further training to PhD level or equivalent laboratory experience
• Experience of laboratory-based research.
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
• Ability to critically assess literature data and other information relevant to assessing the toxicity of chemicals.
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to carry out statistical analysis and extract key messages from complex analysis with support.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desireable Criteria

• Experience with mass spectral analysis and/or high throughput sequencing
• Good computational skills with high level data sets such as metabolomics or high throughput sequencing sets

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,587, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,309 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application Sift

Competency Based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (7) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 750 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. We will not consider any words over 750 words.

Longlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications, we will longlist into 3 piles of:

1. Meets all essential criteria
2. Meets some essential criteria
3. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile(s) ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Degree level qualification in toxicology, molecular biology or other related biological discipline
• Further training to PhD level or equivalent laboratory experience
• Experience of laboratory-based research