Chemicals Assessment Scientist (Senior Specialist) - 6197

2
South East, Yorkshire and the Humber
Rotherham , Wallingford
Red Kite House, Templeborough
Staff Grade 6
Permanent
Full Time
Science
£43,344
We are recruiting an experienced scientist to assess information on the effects, fate and exposure of chemicals. You will make scientific decisions about whether they pose an environmental hazard or risk.

In addition you will provide technical leadership to support international chemicals management programmes. There will be particular emphasis on the REACH Regulation, to help ensure that policies and decisions are based on sound science and assist in the strategic development and delivery of UK objectives. As the Senior Specialist you will achieve this through both your individual work and through the management of other team members.

Working closely with staff at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), you will:

• provide a focus within the team for one or more topical areas of scientific development, such as endocrine disruption, in vitro test methods or nanomaterials;
• review and provide detailed comments on a variety of regulatory documents circulated by the European Chemicals Agency, ensuring that relevant UK stakeholders are consulted;
• help draft UK proposals for hazard identification or risk management on specific substances; and
• review, interpret and summarise technical data submitted by chemical companies and others in response to our requests.
The Chemicals Assessment Unit supports the UK Competent Authority for the REACH and CLP Regulations. We provide dedicated technical expertise to assess the environmental hazards and risks of industrial and consumer chemicals (anything from soap fragrances to flame retardants that prevent laptops catching fire).

We can propose risk management actions where we think risks are not being properly controlled. We work with UK Government, European and global partners (including the chemical industry and other regulators).
You pay attention to detail and will need to be confident about critically analysing complex scientific and numerical data quickly and be able to determine its reliability.

A degree level of education (or higher) in environmental sciences, chemistry or other appropriate scientific disciplines such as biology is required for this role. A post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience) is preferred.

The role also requires comprehensive report writing, excellent time management and organisational skills to ensure all deadlines are met.

Some knowledge of environmental fate and ecotoxicology is essential, and you will have an awareness of the principles of chemical hazard and risk assessment from work with relevant legislation.

You will be expected to lead on specific areas for the Environment Agency (e.g. endocrine, in vitro or nanoscience) and so previous research or other experience in one of those areas would be an advantage.

Closing Date: 30th August 2017 at 23:55 hours
As a Senior Specialist you will have at least one member of the team reporting to you so people management experience is desirable.

This role is office-based and can be located in either Wallingford or Rotherham. The successful applicant will be required to travel regularly for meetings across the UK, and will also be required to travel abroad.

Interviews for this role will be conducted during week commencing 25th September.

Please note all successful applicants must undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks prior to commencement of employment. This includes a basic criminal records check.

If you would like any additional information on the roe, please feel free to contact Steve Dungey (CAU manager) on Tel: 02030259764 or via email steve.dungey@environment-agency.gov.uk for an informal discussion.

30/08/2017, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Scientific Knowledge
What level and type of expertise would you bring to us in a scientific field that is relevant to the environmental frisk management of chemicals?
Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you have successfully persuaded a key stakeholder to follow your advice on the direction of a major project or piece of work.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Tell us about a time when you have had to co-ordinate information from a variety of sources in order to solve a difficult technical problem.
Programme and Project Management
This will be assessed if your application is progressed to the assessment stage. Please disregard this question and continue with your application.
Data and Information Management
This will be assessed if your application is progressed to the assessment stage. Please disregard this question and continue with your application.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.