Hazardous Materials Scientist - Batteries and Explosives (Band 5/EO)
Health and Safety Executive
Apply before Midday on Monday 25th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
At HSE, we work with one goal in mind – to help keep Britain’s workforce safe and healthy. Our work touches virtually every sector of Great Britain’s industries. Combining specialists from numerous fields, we strive to keep people and their working environments safe.
We don’t just inspect workplaces and investigate incidents, we campaign for better H&S practice, we craft and review guidance and regulations, we provide specialist products and services both here and overseas, and we produce crucial research and statistics – all towards our goal of helping Great Britain work well.
This exciting opportunity will be based in the Science Division of the HSE at our research laboratory and unique outdoor testing facilities, in Buxton, Derbyshire.
HSE’s Science Division is a world leading provider of health and safety solutions to industry and government. The scope of our work requires a diversity of talented individuals.
Our capabilities encompass a wide range of topics including: fire, explosion, process safety and engineering; occupational and environmental health; risk assessment; work environment; and specialist photographic and analytical services.
This breadth of expertise underpins our particular strength in creating multidisciplinary teams to support major incident investigations and policy development, as well as undertaking high quality research.
This vacancy is for a scientist to join our Hazardous Materials Team in the Major Hazards Group, specifically to work in the areas of battery and explosives safety and testing. This is an excellent opportunity to use your skills to contribute to innovative work to support HSE incident investigations, and valuable HSE and industry research projects to directly improve the lives of people in their workplaces.
You will be part of a team of specialists and will also collaborate with technical experts across many other disciplines.
Job description
Your role will involve:
- Being a key member of the team on explosives testing projects – from small-scale hazard testing of explosives and energetic materials to larger scale classification and performance testing. Full training in explosives testing will be provided.
- Being a key member of the team on a number of battery safety projects, this will mean getting involved in the design and build of experimental facilities as well as undertaking a significant role in the testing programme. Full training in battery testing will be provided.
- Supporting the development of future research and testing work by engaging with existing and potential customers, contributing to the development of work proposals and presenting technical solutions to both technical and non-technical staff and customers.
- Supporting incident investigations as required, working with other agencies such as the police and attending the incident site if appropriate. There is potential for this type of work to lead to court appearances to present evidence.
- Undertaking data analysis and interpretation and writing clear, high quality, accurate reports.
- Occasional travel in the UK and overseas, including some overnight stays.
This is an experimental role that will include a significant amount of testing outdoors on our Buxton site throughout the whole year. Therefore, the successful candidate will be expected to work mainly from our Buxton site.
Part time working hours are available for this role. We can accept part time applicants who can commit to working a minimum of 4 days per week.
Person specification
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- A background in chemistry or physical sciences.
- The ability to undertake work which can be hazardous, complex and of a high value in a safe, scientifically robust way that meets the required scope.
- Practical scientific experimental skills, attention to detail and an ability to work to defined test protocols.
- An enthusiasm to contribute to a diverse range of projects relating to (non-military) explosives and other energetic materials and new areas of battery research.
- The ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication skills, experience of writing clear, concise documents and the ability to interact productively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- To be able to demonstrate focus, the ability to concentrate and respond promptly to instruction.
- To be able to work outside in all weather conditions on rough ground.
Licences
Qualifications
If you are unsure if you are eligible, please email emily.vicary@hse.gov.uk with your qualification details.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Demonstrate knowledge of scientific experimental work.
- Demonstrate an ability to present technical information and knowledge of practical applications for processing and interpreting data.
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- Competitive rates of pay
- Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28.97 %, far more than in the private sector
- Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career
- Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
- 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
- Parental leave benefits
- As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application information
As part of your application, you will be invited to complete an anonymised CV which should include your career history, experience, and qualifications.
You will also be required to complete a write up on two of the technical skills required for this role. We advise using the STAR framework for these technical skills.
Sift Information
The sift will take place week commencing 25th November 2024 where you will be assessed on your CV and the technical skills detailed within the advert.
Interview Information
The interviews are due to be held in person in our Buxton office SK17 9JN, during week commencing 16th December 2024 where you will be assessed on the behaviours and technical skills listed in this advert.
AI Tools & Platforms
During the application process candidates are allowed to utilise AI (artificial intelligence) platforms and Tools to support them in writing their Behaviours, CVs and Personal Statements. However, all information submitted must be factually accurate. This includes presenting the ideas and experience of others, or those generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. All presented information will be assessed at the Interview Stage.
Sponsorship
This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.
Further Information
Please note that a Reserve List will be held for the period of up to 12 months. There is no guarantee you will be offered a role from our reserve lists, so if you see a vacancy on Civil Service Jobs that you are interested in, we recommend you apply.
Due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and, Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence of meeting the minimum requirements necessary for the post.
If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: hr.resourcing-team@hse.gov.uk
If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.
Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further; Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Lynne Jones
- Email : lynne.jones@hse.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hr.resourcing-team@hse.gov.uk
Further information
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/civilservicecodecomplaints/
