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). The programme also undertakes research to develop and validate test methods for hazard characterisation and assessment of chemicals to support regulatory objectives for chemicals, with a focus on new approach methodologies (NAMs).
The post is a predominantly laboratory based scientific research role. Based within the Experimental Toxicology Programme of the Toxicology Department at RCCE on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, the post will work in health effects from chemical and biological exposures primarily from the air (inhalation route). The post holder will be expected to provide highly specialized scientific services and undertake complex research studies in support of the work of the Experimental Toxicology Programme.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Laboratory work and scientific functions in support of the work of the Experimental Toxicology Programme. In particular:

• Contribute to, and take responsibility for, specific aspects of the design, development and operation of the group’s laboratory facilities and equipment. In particular in relation to aerosol production and measurement.
• Undertake Health and Safety activities as required by Programme Lead, including those relating to the safe use of radioactive sources.
• Undertake experimental work to explore aspects of the behaviour of aerosols, in particular nanoparticle aerosols.
• Contribute to the management and undertaking of research projects including: planning, experimental design, protocols/procedures and data analysis.
• Manage some research projects or parts of large projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external collaborators in the undertaking of specific experiments.
• Contribute to the development of proposals for funding with internal and external collaborators.
• Produce sound scientific papers for external peer reviewed publication and give presentations up to and including at international level.
• Assist in the production of advice/standards related to the results of researchManage junior members of staff and supervise PhD/MSc students undertaking associated work.
• Procure, commission, deploy and in some cases design and project manage the build/acquisition of specialist equipment.
• Undertake specific development tasks for the Programme Lead as required.
• Contribute to RCCE/UKHSA general activities for sharing skills and knowledge, both within RCCE/UKHSA and more widely.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• 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 (EUSS)
• 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 (EUSS)
• 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

Further information on nationality requirements

Science