Higher Toxicologist

Location The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offers hybrid working this means that whilst the role will be based in the Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards (RCE) Chilton site, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business needs and in line with departmental policy. *Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.* Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCE) provides evidence and advice to protect health from Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards.

To support evidence-anchored advice for Health Security, RCE 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 RCE, 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.

General Toxicology and Biomonitoring Programme The General Toxicology and Biomonitoring Programme is within the Toxicology Department. It consists of toxicologists, who provide public health advice on a variety of different chemicals to colleagues within UKHSA, Government agencies and departments, and to the public. This advice focuses on the health effects of chemicals in water, soil and waste processes. We also advise on the public health aspects of the approval and use of pesticides, veterinary medicines, cosmetics and consumer products.

The Group provides the Secretariat, jointly with the Food Standards Agency, for three important Government expert advisory committees: the Committees on the Toxicity, Carcinogenicity and Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT, COC and COM). The Group has an active biomonitoring research programme. JOB SUMMARY The job entails working within the General Toxicology and Biomonitoring programme to provide advice on the health effects of chemicals in drinking water, contaminated land and from waste processes. The team works closely with the regional RCE chemicals teams in England and Wales, providing advice and support during contamination incidents involving chemicals.