Crynodeb o'r swydd
- Prif leoliad
- Toxicology
- Gradd
- Civil Service: Grade 6
- Contract
- Parhaol
- Oriau
- Llawnamser
- Rhan-amser
- Rhannu swydd
- Gweithio hyblyg
- Cyfeirnod y swydd
- 919-CA-302673-EXT
- Cyflogwr
- UK Health Security Agency
- Math o gyflogwr
- Public (Non NHS)
- Gwefan
- Chilton (Didcot)
- Tref
- Oxford
- Cyflog
- £72,950 - £83,443 per annum pro rata
- Cyfnod cyflog
- Yn flynyddol
- Yn cau
- 25/11/2025 23:59
Teitl cyflogwr
Programme Lead, Experimental Toxicology
Civil Service: Grade 6
Trosolwg o'r swydd
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.
Prif ddyletswyddau'r swydd
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.
Gweithio i'n sefydliad
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. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl
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.
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.
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.
Eligibility Criteria - External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
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
Salary Information
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.
Manyleb y person
Application Form & Supporting Statement
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Application Form and Supporting Statement
Essential Criteria
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities
Presentation
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Presentation
Dogfennau i'w lawrlwytho
Rhagor o fanylion / cyswllt ar gyfer ymweliadau anffurfiol
- Enw
- Conny Agyei
- Teitl y swydd
- Resourcing Support Officer
- Cyfeiriad ebost
- [email protected]
- Gwybodaeth i gefnogi eich cais
For information regarding the role please contact [email protected] [Robie Kamanyire - Deputy Director]
Rhestr swyddi gyda UK Health Security Agency yn Gwasanaethau Gweinyddol neu bob sector






