Public Health Scientist

Environmental Public Health Scientist – UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Salary: £37,056 – £42,481 per annum, pro rata
Location: Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job Share and Flexible Working
Grade: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid – minimum 60% office attendance
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Reference: 919-VO-303067-EXT

Visa Sponsorship: YES – Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.

Job Overview

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is recruiting an Environmental Public Health Scientist to join its Environmental Hazards and Emergencies (EHE) Department in Cardiff.

The successful candidate will provide specialist scientific advice and public health risk assessments in response to chemical and environmental hazards that could threaten public health.

Working within one of the chemical and environmental hazards teams, you will help assess risks arising from chemical fires, environmental contamination and deliberate chemical releases. You will also contribute to scientific research, evidence reviews and the development of public health guidance.

This is an opportunity to work with government departments, NHS organisations, emergency services and other partners to protect communities from environmental health threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead environmental public health risk assessments involving acute and chronic exposure to chemical and environmental hazards.
• Analyse and interpret complex scientific data to support public health decisions.
• Translate scientific evidence and policies into practical recommendations.
• Contribute to UKHSA’s Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response arrangements as a Category 1 responder.
• Work with multi-agency partners to coordinate effective responses during emergencies.
• Provide expert advice to government departments, emergency services, stakeholders and members of the public.
• Contribute to research and improve the evidence base on chemical and environmental hazards.
• Communicate scientific findings and risk assessments clearly to different audiences.
• Deliver environmental public health training, lectures and technical presentations.
• Develop professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Training and Development Responsibilities

The post holder will also:

• Develop and deliver training on environmental public health issues.
• Review training materials and recommend improvements.
• Participate in multi-agency training, emergency planning exercises and technical workshops.
• Contribute to research papers, scientific publications and technical reports.
• Attend scientific meetings and conferences and present research findings.
• Share knowledge and developments with colleagues and external experts.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• An honours degree in a science-related discipline and a relevant postgraduate or integrated Master’s degree in a scientific subject, or equivalent professional experience in environmental public health protection.
• Experience in research and development within relevant scientific disciplines, such as environmental hazards or public health protection.
• Ability to manage risks, analyse evidence and report outcomes effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific information to non-specialists.
• Strong technical skills in data analysis and interpretation of complex or incomplete evidence.
• Ability to apply scientific principles to unfamiliar situations, identify hazards and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organisation, time management and adaptability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Willingness to work irregular hours when required.
• Strong presentation skills and experience delivering presentations to different audiences.
• Commitment to equality of opportunity and positive working relationships.

Desirable Requirements

• Understanding of relevant legislation and commitment to continuing professional development.
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating training programmes.
• Ability to contribute to strategic business planning and organisational objectives.

Salary and Benefits

The advertised salary is £37,056 to £42,481 per annum, pro rata.

The vacancy also provides:

• Permanent employment.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Full-time, part-time and job-share arrangements.
• Hybrid working.
• Opportunities to work with national and international scientific experts.
• Professional development, research and training opportunities.

Hybrid Working: Employees must spend at least 60% of their contractual working hours at the Cardiff office, approximately three days per week, averaged over a month.

Visa Sponsorship for International Applicants

UKHSA explicitly welcomes applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications.

International applicants should also note that successful candidates must meet the relevant UK security requirements, including Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance, and undergo a basic DBS check.

Application and Selection Process

The recruitment process will use the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, assessing behaviours, strengths, experience and technical skills.

Stage 1: Application and Sift

Applicants must complete an online application form and submit a supporting statement of up to 1,500 words.

The supporting statement should explain how your skills, knowledge and experience demonstrate your suitability against the seven essential criteria.

Your application form and supporting statement will receive a joint score. You should complete the employment and activity history section in sufficient detail because CV uploads are not accepted.

Stage 2: Interview

Successful applicants will be invited to a face-to-face interview at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The interview will assess:

• Making Effective Decisions (Lead Behaviour).
• Communicating and Influencing.
• Working Together.
• Developing Self and Others.
• Delivering at Pace.

There will also be strengths-based questions and a technical presentation.

Candidates must prepare a 10-minute presentation on an environmental public health hazard of their choice, explaining how they would assess and manage the risks and communicate scientific advice as a Category 1 responder.

Interview dates are yet to be confirmed.

Security and Eligibility

• This vacancy is open to external applicants and existing Civil Service employees.
• Successful candidates must pass a basic DBS check.
• Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance is required.
• Overseas applicants may need to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they have lived for 12 months or more during the previous 10 years.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online through the official NHS Jobs recruitment portal.

Closing Date: 13 November 2026

Employer: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Enquiries: Vanessa Otoo – Resourcing Support
Email: vanessa.otoo@ukhsa.gov.uk