Programme Lead, Experimental Toxicology

Details
Reference number

437197

Salary

£72,950 - £83,443

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Grade 6

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Health Professionals

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

Didcot, South East England, OX11 0RQ

About the job
Job summary

UKHSA is seeking an Experimental Toxicology Programme Leader with proven experience managing scientific teams and projects, exceptional communication skills and a strategic mindset capable of influencing policy and public health outcomes. The postholder will lead the programme enabling the team to develop and apply cutting edge research, methods and tools to inform public health decision making for environmental hazards to human health and chemical hazard test method development, including in vitro methods.

The Experimental Toxicology programme is varied, and the objectives of the team include:

• Lead on the research, provision and application of advanced toxicological models and research methods to support advice in response to chemical and other environmental hazards, and chemicals regulation.
• Manage, develop, and maintain appropriate toxicology laboratories and specialist equipment for undertaking specialist toxicological model and method development, using environmental and biological sample analyses.
• Manage, develop and maintain toxicology research capability to support chemical regulation and evidence in respect to chemical and environmental hazards and exposures.
• Undertake research independently and with partners to enhance the provision of advice and evidence for the longer-term improvement of public health.
• Work with international partners such as the OECD to develop regulatory methods and guidance.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. 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.

Job description

Main duties of the job

The postholder will implement quality assurance and governance procedures, and lead data sharing and publication initiatives.

The post holder will work with a high degree of autonomy whilst also working closely with other senior leaders, external partners and business development to meet strategic objectives.

To manage, lead and support the team in delivering a programme of high-profile toxicological information and research, related to projects involving a range of chemical and environmental hazards, understanding their impact on health and regulation.

The postholder will take a lead in the design, development and implementation of toxicological services, to implement quality assurance and governance procedures, and to lead data sharing and publication initiatives.

The post holder will be required to work with a high degree of autonomy whilst also liaising broadly and comprehensively across the Chemical function and beyond to ensure all relevant activities are supported.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To contribute to the development of UKHSA's Toxicology strategy and research and innovation functions including but not limited to the provision of:

• Leadership and management of an expert, skilled team of toxicologists and associated scientists as appropriate
• Being responsible on a day-to-day basis for the provision of toxicological analyses and outputs
• Further development and provision of maintenance of services to support response and research for colleagues across the organisation and government
• Working with internal and external stakeholders across UKHSA, DHSC and Whitehall and international organisations, including OECD, for development and provision of advice, services and analyses
• Development of data sharing and publication initiatives
• Representation of the Experimental Toxicology team functions at a strategic level
• Responsibility for appropriate documentation, quality assurance, and information governance of Experimental Toxicology processes and data

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 your line manager.

• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and the UKHSA.

• It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

This post is a leadership role in the Experimental Toxicology team of the Toxicology department. The postholder will lead a comprehensive experimental toxicology programme enabling the team to develop and apply cutting edge toxicological methods and tools to inform public health decision making, with a particular focus on environmental hazards to human health and chemical hazard test method development, including in vitro methods.

Work within the Experimental Toxicology team is varied, responding to changing public health needs through research and response activities.

Functions and objectives of the team include:

• Lead on the research, provision and application of advanced toxicological models and methods in support of advice provision in response to chemical and other environmental hazards, research and chemicals regulation.
• Manage, develop, and maintain appropriate toxicology laboratories and specialist equipment for undertaking specialist toxicological model and method development and using environmental and biological sample analysis to support the functions above
• Manage, develop and maintain toxicology research capability to support chemical regulation and research on chemical and environmental hazards and exposures
• Undertake research using the resources above independently and with partners to enhance the provision of advice to support longer-term improvement of public health.
• Work with international partners such as the OECD to develop regulatory methods and guidance.

The Experimental Toxicology Team will also coordinate and drive forward our vision to ensure that the UKHSA maintains an enterprise level service supporting advice provision and business development.

Person specification

Role Criteria and Other Requirements

Essential role criteria (including qualifications, licenses and registrations):

• Higher Degree (MSc, MRes) in relevant subject (Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biology or Physics) or equivalent related experience in subject area.
• Postgraduate qualification (PhD/MD/DPhil level) in relevant subject (Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biology or Physics) or equivalent experience of working at a similar level in a relevant specialist area.
• Significant and relevant experience in toxicology, including molecular methods.
• Experience managing specialist scientists working across academia, government and public and private sector settings.
• Experience with advanced NAM toxicological methods for hazard assessment and the associated data analysis.
• Experience of leading, motivating and managing a specialist team of scientific staff.
• Ability to develop, inform and communicate toxicological data and other types of complex information for multiple level audiences in various settings.
• Understanding of the role of chemical tests within a regulatory context and their development and validation and the role of national bodies and the OECD.
• Understanding and experience of funding application principles and process accreditation.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

• ERT (European Register of Toxicologists) Registered
• Extensive peer reviewed academic/scientific publication record.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £72,950, UK Health Security Agency contributes £21,133 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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 employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know
Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)

Up to 1,000 words word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,000 words.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria

Meets some essential criteria

Meets no essential criteria

The following will be taken through the next stage: Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Higher Degree (MSc, MRes) in relevant subject (e.g. Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biology
  
  or Physics) or equivalent related experience in subject area.
• Postgraduate qualification (PhD/MD/DPhil level) in relevant subject (e.g. Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biology
  
  or Physics) or equivalent experience of working at a similar level in relevant specialist area.
  
  If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment

Please do not exceed 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & abilities and desirable criteria will be tested at interview.

You will be asked to deliver a 5–10-minute presentation aimed to assess your technical skills in regard to the following essential criteria:

• Experience in Toxicology
• Leading and managing scientists
• Communication of complex information to multiple audiences

The question/subject of the presentation will be sent to successful candidates at interview stage.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our lab in Chilton (Didcot - Oxford). We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month).

If based at one of our labs, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism vetting security check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

• Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
• Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

DBS Requirement:

• Basic DBS

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Eligibility Criteria - External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here:

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .

See our vetting charter .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants
Job contact :

• Name : Robie Kamanyire
• Email :

Recruitment team

• Email :

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: 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 here.

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