Radiation Protection Adviser

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether its sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when youre surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

A vacancy exists for a qualified Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) to support STFCs science programmes, or for an exceptional candidate who is within 12 months of submitting their first RPA portfolio. You will be supporting an organisation with a strong safety culture to achieve and maintain the highest radiation safety and environmental standards. As part of a small team of Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Advisers, you will provide practical advice and support to enable the performance of world-class science within UKRI s cutting-edge facilities.

You will work closely with engineers, scientists, designers and safety professionals, striving to optimise radiation exposures within an established but continually developing science campus. You will be involved in the development and implementation of radiation protection control measures that are seamlessly integrated into STFC work practices and procedures.

• Provide operational radiation protection advice and support to STFC management, divisions, departments and staff at all levels on the requirements of all relevant radiation safety and environmental legislation, established best practice, and the organisation s documented radiation management systems.
• Provide leadership for radiological safety and related matters across site, ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place for radiation protection and maintaining the STFC suite of radiation safety codes. Drive continuous improvement in radiological safety management and protection, including consideration of UKRI Net Zero targets.
• Act as a primary contact with UK regulatory authorities (e.g., Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, Office for Nuclear Regulation); lead regulatory inspections on behalf of the organisation and communicate directly with the regulator on radiological protection matters, including statutory reports and responding to inspection feedback or enforcement action.
• Undertake visits, audits and reviews to assess compliance with legislation and STFC radiation management systems, providing written reports and recommendations on remedial actions and assisting to improve radiation protection arrangements.
• Interpret radiation protection data (including monitoring results, dosimetry records and outputs of modelling codes such as Fluka/MCNP) to assess workplace risks and maintain documented radiation risk assessments, advising on effective health and safety controls.
• Provide advice and recommendations during planning, design, construction, commissioning and testing of new or modified radiation facilities, with responsibility and design approval for all radiation shielding and protection systems.
• Review and advise on the results of personal dosimetry and environmental radiation monitoring; advise on the selection, use, maintenance and testing of radiation monitoring equipment.
• Review and investigate (as appropriate) radiation safety incidents, advising on remedial or preventative actions and communicating learnings across the organisation.
• Develop and deliver radiation training programmes.
• Attend and provide quarterly RPA/RWA reports to relevant SHE committees.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to STFC and SHE Group staff on radiation safety matters where appropriate.
• Coordinate with other UKRI Research Councils on radiation protection and shared compliance; where appointed, provide RPA/RWA advice to science facilities across the wider UKRI estate and deputise for or support other STFC RPA/RWAs as required.

• Qualified to degree level in a relevant scientific or numerate discipline. Exceptional candidates without a degree who have equivalent qualifications or extensive RPA experience will be considered. When equivalence is chosen, developing RPAs must demonstrate the basic underpinning knowledge required under the RPA 2000 certification scheme at the very least.
• RPA Certificate of Competence issued by RPA 2000, or evidence sufficient for submission of a first portfolio within 12 months.
• Thorough understanding and extensive practical application of IRR
  17, EPR and other ionising radiation-related regulations to a variety of workplaces, including academic or high-technology sectors.
• Practical experience of selecting and using radiation monitoring equipment, detectors, dosimetry and dose control.
• Ability to work unsupervised, and as part of a small RP team, managing own workload efficiently and reliably.
• Strong interpersonal and…