Higher Toxicologist

INTRODUCTION

At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.

Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.

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 nation’s health secure.

Emphasis is on expert scientific/ technical contribution to advice and work both inside and outside UKHSA. This contribution involves evaluating complex information from a number of sources including professionals and scientists both inside UKHSA and in outside organisations, possibly in other countries.

To critically assess with support toxicity data on chemicals

To develop advice on the health effects and risk assessments of chemicals in drinking water, land and waste processes

To support communication of this highly specialised advice to a range of recipients, e.g. colleagues in UKHSA

To ensure that such advice is documented and recorded in readily retrievable form

To contribute to the development of the scientific content of the UKHSA Compendium of Chemical Hazards (an online data resource for UKHSA and the public) and a new public-facing website to provide information on the potential health risks from chemicals.

Other The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Working for the UKHSA

**Benefits**:
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 average employer contribution of 27%

Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

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