Higher Toxicologist

4 weeks ago


Didcot, United Kingdom UK Health Security Agency Full time

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. The postholder will support various areas of the work of the programme and be required to specialise in a designated area after a period of development in post. They may also be required to provide toxicological advice in other areas as necessary to support the work of UKHSA. Selection process details Your Statement of Suitability (no more than 1,000 words) should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.