Researcher On Light Exposures, Lasers and Health

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 324926**Salary**:

- £32,469 - £39,532**Job grade**:

- Higher Executive Officer**Contract type**:

- Permanent**Type of role**:

- Science**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 1Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- UKHSA, Chilton, OX11 0RQAbout the job

**Job summary**:
At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and diverse external hazards. 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.

The role of the UKHSA’s Laser and Optical Radiation Dosimetry Group is to assess exposure to optical radiation, including lasers, sunlight, lighting and sunbeds. It investigates the impact of light on health and well-being and undertakes research to improve the evidence base for advice. It provides support to government in developing and implementing policy measures for optical radiation and works with national and international organizations to develop exposure guidance and product emission standards.

The post-holder will contribute to the scientific research, provision of highly specialized scientific services and development work. The work requires a wide range of skills built on solid practical and theoretical foundations in physics or optical technologies. A general awareness of wider public health disciplines including biology and epidemiology is also required.

**Location**

**UKHSA, Chilton, OX11 0RQ (Hybrid)**

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offers hybrid working - this means that whilst the role will be based in Chilton, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. UKHSA have office locations across the UK.

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.*_

**Job description**:
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

- The assessment of exposure to optical radiation including lasers by measurement and modelling for a range of exposure sources and situations; writing technical reports incorporating the results and recommendations for safe use.
- Developing methodologies and instrumentation for the assessment of exposure to optical radiation including lasers.
- Laboratory work and scientific functions. These will involve physics, mathematical modelling, biology, epidemiology, laboratory work, and engineering as appropriate.
- Contributing to externally funded research and services work, including lectures and other support with training courses.
- Technical, computing and analytical work underpinning the assessment of exposure of people to optical radiation.
- Use and maintenance of complex scientific equipment, including spectroradiometers, range of radiometers and calibration systems, and use of a range of software including software developed in
- house.
- Routine maintenance checks on specialised laboratory facilities, and confirmation of the satisfactory safe operation.

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.

**Person specification**:
**Essential**
- Educated to degree level in a physical science, or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level in specialist area.
- Experience in spectroscopy and instrumentation for optical radiation measurements.
- Technical competence in taking measurements coupled with good numerate ability.
- Current full UK driving license and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations.

**Desirable**
- MSc or PhD in a physical science.
- Postgraduate or on-the-job experience of scientific work gained in a project or research environment.
- Good understanding of radiation protection principles
- Experience in the provision of training
- Training/experience in emergency response

**Benefits**:
**Working for the UKHSA**

The UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organization for all our staff and society. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

**Benefits**
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A cultu