Principal Toxicologist – Analytical Toxicology

Didcot, Oxfordshire
REED Talent Solutions

Overview of Job

The post holder will take responsibility for a programme of analytical research that aims to develop a range of chemical toxicant quantitative analyses, metabolomics and bioinformatics workflows. The role will require the application of complex and innovative analytical techniques in particular, metabolomics, exposomics, targeted quantitative analyses and bioinformatics. The post holder will assist in the provision of advice on analytical chemistry and bioinformatics to RCE colleagues and others including as part of a response to a chemical incident. The post holder will also contribute towards the training and supervision of doctoral students and to supervise the provision of analytical support for biomonitoring interests within the department.

The postholder will be expected to publish primary research findings in leading journals in both a lead and senior author capacity and make presentations at learned societies. They will be expected to travel to attend meetings and conferences as required.

The postholder will be expected to have strong links with key universities undertaking toxicological research, engage with their teaching programmes and preferably hold an honorary academic position.

The postholder will be expected to apply for external funding to support research activities in RCE.

Manage

• Manages research analysts undertaking research in areas directly relevant to quantitation and characterization of chemical hazards, particularly but not exclusively in the respiratory system.
• Manages Ph.D., and M.Sc., students
• Manage research contracts and projects undertaken by the group, department and RCE, acting as lead researcher.
• Under emergency situations, manage the delivery of sample analyses and reporting in a timely manner

Main Duties of the Job

Emphasis is on expert scientific/ technical leaderships of research within UKHSA and with external collaborators. This contribution involves developing new experimentally derived data, evaluating complex information from a number of sources including professionals and scientists both nationally and internationally and by reading the peer reviewed and other literature. The post may require travel both Nationally and Internationally.

The main duties of the post involve:

Research:

• To undertake internationally recognised experimental research on quantitation of chemical toxicants in biological and environmental samples to underpin UKHSA’s capability to provide public health advice.
• Act as lead researcher for initiating contracts and projects and obtaining funding
• Managing budgets associated with the work programmes and projects
• To use metabolomics and bioinformatics to investigate the detrimental effects of toxicants.
• To establish and develop bioinformatic work streams to support the work of colleagues within the toxicology department.
• To develop, plan and carry out complex scientific studies related to characterization and quantitation of complex chemical mixtures.
• To undertake experimental studies related to the above using both standard and non-standard analytical methods developed by the post holder and colleagues.
• Contribute to reports on analyses conducted as part of a response to incidents requiring untargeted chemical analysis.
• To write publications for peer reviewed journals as lead and senior author and for presentation at meetings of learned societies.
• To act as a specialist point of reference and advice on metabolomics and bioinformatics.
• Undertake peer reviews of draft publications prepared by outside individuals, as required from time to time by journals.
• When required provide highly specialised and high quality public health advice and support during chemical incidents to senior health professionals, including interpretation of tests results related to chemical incidents, Front Line Responders, Department of Health, devolved administrations and other agencies regarding the public health implications of acute and chronic exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards.

General Management within the group, involving:

• Manage research toxicologists undertaking research in areas directly relevant to protection from the effects chemical hazards, focussed on the development of targeted and non-targeted chemical analyses and bioinformatics
• Monitoring staff performance and undertaking performance appraisal.
• Management of sickness, leave, discipline and other human resource issues within the Group.
• Ensuring the Health and Safety of Staff in the group.
• Ensuring that relevant PHE policies and procedures are followed within the Group.
• Being responsible for the purchase of supplies and services for the group including delegated financial responsibility for the purchase of supplies and services up to a value of £1000 per order.
• Under emergency situations, manage the delivery of expert advice in a timely manner.

Training:

• To be responsible for on-going training of staff.
• To take responsibility for the professional career development of more junior members of the Group including supervision of work for higher degrees.
• To supervise on-the-job training of staff.
• To assist in the training of other UKHSA staff and externalstaff.
• To undertake a teaching lecture load where appropriate

Internal

• Daily with Programme lead and other staff (scientific and administrative) in Group.
• Frequently with staff in other Departments (to directorate level) including corporate function staff.
• Frequently with staff across UKHSA external to RCE.

External

• University staff to professorial level
• Frequently with collaborating scientists worldwide to professorial level.
• Senior scientists/ managers in official bodies such as the OECD, Department of Health and other Government Departments.
• Staff in research funding organisations at national and international level

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