Radiation Protection Specialist (Trainee RPA) inDidcot inDidcot PUBLISHED THU 7 NOV 2024

£34,093 to £41,509 a year Per annum Pro rata. PERMANENT
DENTISTRY

UK Health Security Agency rf8v4yDo

Structured training program that provides comprehensive support and education in radiation protection, allowing entry-level individuals to develop expertise.

Opportunity to work in a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, aerospace, and high-tech industries, providing a dynamic and varied work environment.

Engagement in important public health and safety initiatives, contributing to national emergency response efforts as a Category 1 responder.

Ability to influence practices and policies by providing expert advice to clients on radiation safety and compliance with legislation.

Chance to participate in training and educational activities, enhancing professional development and knowledge sharing.

Collaborative work within a professional team, offering exposure to various aspects of radiation protection and regulatory compliance.

Flexible working opportunities with a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance.

The UK Health Security Agency is seeking a "Radiation Protection Specialist (Trainee RPA)" based in Didcot. This entry-level position does not require prior knowledge of radiation protection, as comprehensive training will be provided. The role involves advising clients across various sectors—including dentistry, aerospace, and waste disposal—on safety practices and regulatory compliance related to ionising and non-ionising radiation.

Key responsibilities include:

- Delivering radiation protection services and conducting consultations, risk assessments, and report preparations.
- Contributing to and supporting radiation protection training for diverse clients.
- Responding to radiation-related events for commercial clients and participating in the UKHSA's emergency response efforts.
- Addressing public and industry inquiries regarding radiation protection issues.
- Assisting in the development of radiation safety standards and legislation.

Candidates will be assessed based on a set of essential criteria through an application process that includes a 1,000-word statement and a remote interview. Successful applicants will need to undergo security clearance checks due to the nature of the role, which involves hybrid working from the lab/office in Chilton.

Are you an enthusiastic scientist who enjoys applying their specialist knowledge in the real world? Can you think on your feet and stay calm under pressure? If so, you might be the perfect candidate for a career in radiation protection with the UK Health Security Agency. No previous knowledge or experience of radiation protection is required as we will provide full support through a structured training programme.

In addition to our role as a Category 1 responder for radiation emergencies, we work with a wide range of clients operating in sectors as diverse as dentistry to aerospace and waste disposal to the high tech-world of Formula One. So, if you want to make a difference in a role that combines variety with the practical application of scientific principles this could be just for you.

The successful applicant will join an established professional team providing advice on safe working practices and regulatory compliance for all types of radiation from X-rays and gamma rays to radioactive materials, lasers and electromagnetic fields.

The role will involve:

The provision of income earning radiation protection services to a wide range of clients, advising on and assisting with regulatory compliance and implementation of effective safety management programmes for work with ionising and non-ionising radiations. This is achieved through consultations with clients, situation analysis/risk assessment and the preparation of persuasive and authoritative reports.
Support for and contribution to training courses in radiation protection for a wide range of clients and at a range of levels.
Responding to radiation events and incidents on behalf of commercial clients.
To participate in UKHSA's unique statutory role as a Category 1 responder to national radiation emergencies and, when required, non-radiological events.
Responding to enquiries on a wide range of radiation protection issues from the public, industry, and local and national agencies.
Supporting UKHSA activities relating to the development of standards, legislation etc with respect to operational radiation protection issues.

About us
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties:

The provision of income earning radiation protection services to a wide range of clients, advising on and assisting with regulatory compliance and implementation of effective safety management programmes for work with ionising and non-ionising radiations. This is achieved through consultations with clients, situation analysis/risk assessment and the preparation of persuasive and authoritative reports.

Support for and contribution to training courses in radiation protection for a wide range of clients and at a range of levels.

Responding to radiation events and incidents on behalf of commercial clients.

To participate in UKHSA's unique statutory role as a Category 1 responder to national radiation emergencies and, when required, non-radiological events.

Responding to enquiries on a wide range of radiation protection issues from the public, industry, and local and national agencies.

Supporting UKHSA activities relating to the development of standards, legislation etc with respect to operational radiation protection issues

To provide expert advice:

To clients, from equipment operators to senior managers/directors on all aspects of radiation safety relevant to their practices.

On compliance with all relevant radiation safety legislation.

On the design of new facilities and techniques where ionising radiations are used. This includes laboratories, X-ray facilities used in medicine and industrial facilities.

On the safe storage and disposal of radioactive materials and their safe transportation.

On remediation after a radiological incident resulting in contamination and assess by direct means the extent of such contamination

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.

Essential criteria - you will be assessed on the below8essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description Document.

Selection Process:

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

Stage 1:Application & Sift

You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the below listed 8essentialcriteria,and this will be in the form of

an Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)

a 1000 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline howyour skills,experience,andknowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application formand Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment

Please do not exceed 1000 words.We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2:Interview

You will be invited to a (single) Remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

As part of the interview you will be required to discuss a selected radiation topic and complete a written test, details of this will be provided to you.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our lab/office in Chilton. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month).

If based at one of our scientific locations you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum.

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Useful skills for a Radiation Protection Specialist (Trainee RPA): Click to view

To work as a Radiation Protection Specialist (Trainee Radiation Protection Adviser - RPA) in the UK, you would typically need a combination of educational qualifications, professional skills, and relevant experience. Here are the key skills and qualifications that are commonly sought for this role:

Educational Qualifications:

1. Relevant Degree: A degree in physics, radiation protection, environmental science, health physics, or a related field is often required.

2. Postgraduate Qualification: A master's or diploma in radiation protection or health physics can be beneficial and is sometimes preferred.

Technical Skills:

1. Understanding of Radiation Physics: A solid grasp of the principles of radiation, including types, properties, and sources.

2. Radiation Protection Regulations: Knowledge of UK regulations and guidelines related to radiation protection (e.g., the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, Environmental Permitting Regulations).

3. Risk Assessment: Ability to perform risk assessments related to radiation exposure and safety.

4. Measurement Techniques: Familiarity with radiation detection and measurement instruments and techniques.

5. Radiological Safety Procedures: Knowledge of safety protocols for working with radiological materials and equipment.

Interpersonal Skills:

1. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to non-specialists, both verbally and in writing.

2. Teamwork: Capacity to work collaboratively with other professionals and stakeholders.

3. Training and Support: Skills to train staff on radiation safety practices and promote compliance with safety standards.

Analytical Skills:

1. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to assess situations and develop effective solutions related to radiation hazards.

2. Attention to Detail: Precision and attention to detail are crucial, especially when dealing with safety regulations and measurements.

Experience:

1. Work Experience: Relevant work experience in a laboratory, healthcare, nuclear, or research environment can be advantageous.

2. Internships/Work Placements: Participation in internships or work placements during your education can provide valuable hands-on experience.

Professional Development:

1. Membership in Professional Bodies: Joining relevant professional organizations, such as the Society for Radiological Protection (SRP) or the UK Health Physics Society, can offer networking opportunities and access to resources.

2. Continued Education: Commitment to ongoing learning and development in radiation protection practices and regulations.