Higher Toxicologist

UKHSA is responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases and other health threats. We provide intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage, to make the nations health secure. The 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. 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 holder will facilitate knowledge acquisition within the Environmental Exposures and Health (EEH) HPRU with Imperial College and Kings College London as academic partners.

The post holder will be expected to work closely together with peers within the team across a number of themes and projects within the HPRU.