Important Visa Information
The UK Health Security Agency is pleased to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship to successful international candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. However, we strongly advise that applicants verify their eligibility with our recruitment team before applying, as visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality and circumstances.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Toxicologist to join our Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCCE) at our Core HQ in Chilton (Didcot). This is a permanent position offering flexible working arrangements, including the possibility of full-time, part-time, job share, and remote working options.
Company Overview
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides evidence and advice to protect health from various hazards including radiation, chemicals, climate, and environmental factors. Our Toxicology Department specifically focuses on public health advice regarding environmental hazards such as chemicals, particles, and bioaerosols, conducting research that underpins chemical regulation and policy development.
Our Team
You will be joining a multidisciplinary team of toxicologists, environmental scientists, and public health experts dedicated to protecting communities from environmental health threats. We foster a collaborative culture where innovation and evidence-based approaches drive our work.
Location and Working Pattern
This role is based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton (Didcot) and operates on a hybrid working model. You will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week prorata, averaged over a month) at our Chilton location. The remaining time can be worked remotely, subject to business needs.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Toxicologist in our General Toxicology and Biomonitoring Programme, you will be responsible for critically assessing toxicity data on chemicals and providing public health advice on their health effects and risk assessments. You’ll focus particularly on chemicals in drinking water, land, and waste processes.
Impact of the Role
Your expertise will directly influence national policies and regulations protecting public health from chemical hazards. This position offers the opportunity to shape evidence-based guidelines that impact communities across the UK and contribute to international scientific discussions.
Specific Duties Include:
- Providing advice on the public health impacts of chemical regulation in collaboration with UK Government departments
- Contributing to the development of scientific content for the UKHSA Compendium of Chemical Hazards and public-facing websites
- Supporting the work of Government independent expert advisory committees (COT, COC, and COM)
- Managing staff, research contracts, and projects as needed
- Undertaking training responsibilities for staff development
Essential Criteria
To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
- A Masters qualification (or equivalent) relevant to toxicology, or equivalent experience at a similar level in a relevant toxicology area
- Knowledge and practical experience of chemical risk assessment, regulatory toxicology, or exposure science and human biomonitoring
- Awareness of broad public health and environmental issues
- Experience of managing, mentoring, or training staff
- Strong scientific report writing and presentation skills
- Ability to establish good working relationships and work with diverse audiences
- Self-reliance and self-motivation with excellent time management skills
- Ability to critically assess literature data related to chemical toxicity
- Commitment to equality of opportunity and collaborative working
Desirable Criteria
While not essential, the following attributes would strengthen your application:
- Relevant detailed specialist knowledge in toxicology
- Inclusion in the UK Register of Toxicologists
- Experience in public health or industry settings
- Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining professional networks
- Ability to handle difficult situations diplomatically
- Experience dealing with media enquiries
Selection Process
The selection process for this position consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will need to complete an application form and submit a 1000-word supporting statement that demonstrates how your skills, experience, and knowledge meet the essential criteria for the role. Your application will be assessed against these criteria, and candidates who meet all or most of the essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview.
Stage 2: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview where your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities will be further assessed. You will also be required to prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation on a topic provided to you in advance of the interview.
Benefits and Working Environment
UKHSA offers a supportive and inclusive working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone matters. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, actively encouraging applications from all backgrounds including those currently underrepresented in our workforce.
Security Requirements
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. As this role is based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to obtain a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) security clearance. For meaningful security vetting to be carried out, you would normally need to have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years. However, in exceptional circumstances, applicants with less UK residency may still be considered – please contact the recruitment team for advice.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit our NHS Jobs website and complete the online application form. When applying, please ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification, both in your application form and supporting statement.
Apply Instructions
Please follow these steps when applying:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website.
- Search for the job using reference number [provide reference number if available].
- Complete all sections of the online application form.
- Upload your CV and supporting statement addressing essential criteria.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Applications received without a supporting statement or after the deadline will not be considered. Technical issues should be reported immediately to the recruitment team.
For International Applicants:
As an international candidate applying for this role with sponsorship:
- Ensure you have the right to work in the UK or are eligible for sponsorship
- Check if you need a criminal records certificate from countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Prepare all required documentation in advance, including proof of qualifications and work experience
- Contact our recruitment team before applying if you have any questions about the sponsorship process or visa requirements
- Be prepared to provide additional information regarding your immigration status if shortlisted
Contact Information
For questions about this role or the application process, please contact:
Lisa Tweedie
Resourcing Support Officer
Email: [email protected]
Further Information
For more information about UK Health Security Agency, please visit our website at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency.
Closing Date
Please note that the closing date for applications is 4 December 2025. We recommend submitting your application well in advance of this deadline to ensure it is processed correctly.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made for candidates with disabilities.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our team at UK Health Security Agency.
