Gamma Spectrometry Specialist
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 6th May 2024
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About the job
Job summary
An opportunity exists for a Gamma Spectrometry Technical Manager in the Radiological and Chemical Sciences (RACS) Group. The radiological sciences area comprises a diverse group of scientists who provide high quality analytical support, data interpretation and scientific advice to a comprehensive portfolio of internal and external contracts for UK and international customers. The role requires an experienced radiological scientist who will lead the gamma spectrometry area for a large range of complex matrices of environmental monitoring samples for the radiological monitoring programmes, which ensure the public’s safety regarding exposure to radiation in the environment. The role also involves assisting the radiological area with developing further our radioanalytical capability and expanding it by using new techniques.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
The main duties and responsibilities include completing sample measurements and calculations to ensure timely delivery of reporting data, and to supervise the science staff and technical activities to ensure quality control requirements are maintained. The role will include having the responsibility for the day-to-day technical direction of staff, ensuring that the appropriate samples are prioritised and all delivery deadlines are met.
Responsibilities in Gamma Spectrometry include managing quality alerts, reviewing and maintaining accurate Standard Operating Procedures in line with ISO17025, ensuring sample handover is correctly recorded, using Laboratory Information Management System equipment maintenance, fault finding and initiating repairs. You will also manage and assist in the spectral analysis and validation of results data prior to the release to the internal customers. You will be expected to lead and have responsibility for the technical aspects of the Gamma Spectrometry area, including ensuring all technical work is achieved in accordance with ISO 17025; ensuring the area is compliant with the Cefas Quality Manual; ensuring all staff have appropriate training and aptitude for the task they perform; ensuring Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance (e.g. Proficiency Testing) is planned, monitored and reviewed. You will liaise with Technical Managers and deputy Technical Managers in other radiological Technical Areas (Sample Preparation/Processing and Radiochemistry) to ensure effective communication and team working.
The post requires you to work as part of a team with the ability to mentor scientists and for you will be fully accountable for the Gamma Spectrometry technical area. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate ideas and plans clearly. You will be required to promote a culture of innovation to drive forward method development and improvements in techniques. You will also be expected to promote a positive Health, Safety and Quality culture. You must have good IT skills, including a working knowledge of standard Microsoft applications.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
A high level of radiological technical knowledge and experience is essential for this role, and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in these essential areas (criteria):
- University degree in Physics, Chemistry, or equivalent natural science with relevance to the position and its tasks, or able to demonstrate having extensive working experience in radioanalytical techniques with an emphasis on Gamma Spectrometry.
- You will have experience in working with radioactive materials in a laboratory environment.
- You will be familiar with the requirements to establish radioactivity concentrations in food and the environment.
- You will have excellent attention to detail and produce high-quality analytical results.
- You will be experienced in providing technical mentoring and leadership of staff.
- You must have good communication skills, both verbal and written, be flexible and possess the ability to organise your own workload to meet deadlines.
- Effective team working is essential to this role.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Demonstrable technical skills in Gamma Spectrometry, with a proven track record of maintaining instruments.
- A good understanding of Gamma Spectrometric analytical software is essential.
- Extensive experience with the UKAS ISO17025 standard and Health and Safety requirements including rigorous adherence to relevant COSHH, Risk Assessments and SOPs.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 750-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Managing a Quality Service.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Managing a Quality Service.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Managing a Quality Service. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the three advertised behaviours, three advertised technical skills and your experience (as stated in the person specification section). You may also be asked to prepare a presentation or undertake an exercise. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation to interview
Please be aware that at this time, interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams or in-person at our site in Lowestoft.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour – Managing a Quality Service, will be used by the panel.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Lowestoft.
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be locationable to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cefas Resourcing Team
- Email : resourcing@cefas.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
