Principal Scientist – Electromagnetic Fields Dosimetry
Location: Based on-site at our facility in Chilton, Didcot
Salary: Civil Service grade 7 – £58,340 – £68,574 per annum, pro rata
About the Team
The Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate protects the public from chemical, radiological and environmental hazards through expert advice, research, monitoring and emergency response. As part of UKHSA’s role as a Category 1 responder, RCCE provides specialist scientific expertise during national incidents and emergencies.
Within RCCE, the Radiation Dosimetry Department delivers authoritative public health advice on electromagnetic fields (EMF), optical radiation, and ionising radiation in medical imaging. The department undertakes world‑leading research, exposure assessments, standards development, calibration services, training and international collaboration, while also supporting committees such as COMARE.
The Electromagnetic Fields Dosimetry (EMFD) Group is the UKHSA’s centre of expertise for assessing exposure to electromagnetic fields from technologies including mobile phones, telecommunications infrastructure and power systems. The group provides evidence‑based public health advice, contributes to policy and standards development, conducts cutting‑edge research, and supports environmental monitoring programmes.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced scientist to lead and deliver research and advisory work relating to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, with a particular focus on radiofrequency technologies.
This is a senior technical role offering the opportunity to shape UKHSA’s scientific direction in EMF dosimetry, influence national and international standards, and contribute directly to public health protection. You will work closely with government departments, regulators, industry representatives and international experts, while supporting the Group Leader in the management and strategic development of the team.
Based at our Chilton laboratories, you will also act as a key source of expert advice, responding to complex and often high‑profile enquiries from stakeholders, policymakers and members of the public.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, initiate and deliver specialist research and advisory projects relating to EMF exposure assessment, including experimental and numerical dosimetry.
- Develop and maintain UKHSA scientific advice and guidance on EMF exposure, including online content and technical publications.
- Produce high‑quality scientific reviews, reports and peer‑reviewed publications.
- Provide expert advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and other complex stakeholder enquiries.
- Support advisory committees and working groups, including providing scientific secretariat support where required.
- Contribute to the development of national and international standards, policy and regulatory guidance.
- Maintain and develop numerical simulation platforms, ensuring systems remain current and effective.
- Manage specialist laboratory facilities and measurement equipment, ensuring safe and effective operation.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences, workshops and training events.
- Represent UKHSA externally with a high degree of professional autonomy.
- Support RCCE emergency response activities, including deployment within emergency response structures when required.
- Deputise for the Group Leader and support wider team management activities, including health and safety, audits, resource planning and business development.
This role may require occasional travel within the UK and overseas, as well as occasional work outside normal office hours.
About You
Essential Requirements
- A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience in EMF dosimetry, radiation physics, bioelectromagnetics or a related field.
- Significant post‑doctoral or equivalent professional experience delivering independent research in experimental and/or numerical EMF dosimetry.
- Recognised expertise in experimental dosimetry, with evidence of national or international standing.
- A strong publication record, including peer‑reviewed papers and scientific reports.
- Experience leading complex scientific projects and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific evidence for a range of technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Experience presenting research at national and international conferences.
- Strong scientific data analysis and interpretation skills.
- The ability to identify, manage and mitigate project risks effectively.
- Knowledge of information governance, including data protection and freedom of information requirements.
- Practical laboratory experience and the ability to operate specialist scientific equipment safely.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to off‑site locations as required.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable Requirements
- Recognised expertise in numerical dosimetry.
- Experience using specialist EMF measurement equipment such as network analysers, spectrum analysers and field probes.
- Experience with advanced EMF simulation platforms and anatomical modelling.
- Knowledge of laboratory health and safety management, quality assurance systems and auditing processes.
- Understanding of risk management within scientific environments.
- Knowledge of wider health protection and public health issues.
- Emergency response training or operational incident management experience.
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