Would you like to be part of a team that shapes the way we manage the environmental impact of chemicals?

We are recruiting two scientists to join the Chemicals Assessment Unit (CAU). We evaluate the environmental hazard and risks posed by industrial and consumer chemicals. We provide scientific advice on chemicals to UK Government to deliver the best outcomes for the environment under the UK REACH Regulations and related legislation.

Role 1

As the Chemicals Assessment Specialist you will assess the environmental fate and ecotoxicity of chemicals to determine their hazard. Using exposure information, you will also model their risk. This part of CAU works on hazards from endocrine disruptors and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Non-Animal Methods (NAMs) and prioritising substances for assessment.

Role 2

As the Chemicals Assessment Specialist you will assess how to manage identified risks through the detailed evaluation of chemical use, environmental emission, and monitoring data. You will also consider the risks arising from alternatives to the chemical under assessment. This part of CAU works on reviewing Applications for Authorisation, and the preparation of Restrictions and regulatory management options analysis.

(Please read the Additional Information Pack for further information about both roles.)

We're a dispersed team and work with a wide range of technical and project teams across the country.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, but some travel including overseas and overnight stays may be required.

In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued.

You'll have the option to have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, so we'll support you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances. Appropriate training will be given.

The team

You'll joining the Chemicals Assessment Unit. We're part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate which supports the Environment Agency by using evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources. We steer the direction, set the priorities, and shape our organisation's approach to deliver environmental outcomes and better regulate.

Experience/skills required

You will have a degree in chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, chemical engineering, or another appropriate scientific discipline relevant for the assessment of the environmental risks of chemicals and their management, and maybe a post-graduate qualification.

In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:

Experience, for example from work in regulation, industry, or consultancy, that shows you have a good grasp of the principles of environmental hazard and risk assessment for chemicals. Written and oral communication skills, particularly how you adapt your communications to be understood by a range of audiences, Ability to analyse complex scientific and numerical data to extract the key information. Organisational skills (including efficient time management) to meet tight deadlines and prioritise workloads. Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work. Please read the Additional Information Pack for more information

Contact and additional information

We're committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve, so welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds.

For more information about working for us, who to contact regarding these roles and how to apply please read the Candidate Pack and Additional Information Pack.

If you have any queries, or want to discuss the role, working patterns, base locations etc, please contact .

Applications will be "blind" assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held using MS Teams in late January or early February 2024

If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we'll hold your details for 6 months and we may offer you an alternative post.

Closing date: 8 January 2024, 23:55 hours.