Gosport, South East England, PO12 2DL Job Summary This is an exciting opportunity to join a small multi-disciplinary team of clinicians and scientists at the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM). The Human Factors (HF) Group is part of the Environmental Medicine and Science (EMS) Division and provides the Royal Navy (RN), Royal Marines (RM) and wider Ministry of Defence (MOD) with scientific support, applied research and evidence-based advice and guidance in occupational health and environmental medicine. The successful candidate will support the RN and wider MOD through the provision of research and consultancy in ergonomics and human factors, as well as supporting the wider work programme of the HF Group and EMS Division. Recent HF / Ergonomics projects have included assessments of maritime platforms and land vehicles, for example: identification of HF aspects of whole-body vibration in small fast boats, habitability and accommodation arrangements on RN warships and submarines, and anthropometry requirements of helicopters and land vehicles. Other examples have been assessing the HF aspects of life jacket use, integration and functionality of body armour and load carriage and HF support to accident investigations. The INM is the Naval Service’s Centre of Excellence for occupational health advice, information, training and research. It brings together scientists and medical professionals to improve the health of the UK Armed Forces. The unique opportunities offered within the INM are varied, challenging and exciting, supporting Navy Command’s role to generate and operate forces for today and to ensure we are ready for tomorrow by developing and delivering the Navy of the future. In Navy Command our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on operational capability. Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Job Description The successful candidate will support the integration of HF principles within the RN and MOD through the provision of research and consultancy in areas such as workplace design and layout, habitability, equipment and clothing design and ergonomic aspects of health and safety. Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to: Providing advice and expertise on HF / Ergonomics to RN and MOD stakeholders. Engaging with stakeholders to establish requirements for equipment design and use including maintenance and training. Assisting in the design and conduct of HF / Ergonomics research, investigations, assessments and equipment evaluation. Analysing data, utilising software such as MS Excel. Interpreting results from analyses and presenting findings to customers through a variety of communication methods. Assisting with innovative research design and preparation of protocols for scientific and ethical review. Sourcing and critically reviewing relevant literature and standards. Providing critical HF / Ergonomics review of equipment and platform design specifications. Providing HF / Ergonomics advice to accident investigators. Depending on the needs of the task, the post-holder will at times work independently and at other times collaboratively with team members or colleagues in other departments. The post-holder will be required to engage with customers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior military and civilian personnel. Occasional travel is necessary within the UK and sometimes overseas; this may involve overnight stays on land, and possibly at sea. The Successful Candidate Will Support The Integration Of HF Principles Within The RN And MOD Through The Provision Of Research And Consultancy In Areas Such As Workplace Design And Layout, Habitability, Equipment And Clothing Design And Ergonomic Aspects Of Health And Safety. Specific Tasks May Include, But Are Not Limited To Providing advice and expertise on HF / Ergonomics to RN and MOD stakeholders. Engaging with stakeholders to establish requirements for equipment design and use including maintenance and training. Assisting in the design and conduct of HF / Ergonomics research, investigations, assessments and equipment evaluation. Analysing data, utilising software such as MS Excel. Interpreting results from analyses and presenting findings to customers through a variety of communication methods. Assisting with innovative research design and preparation of protocols for scientific and ethical review. Sourcing and critically reviewing relevant literature and standards. Providing critical HF / Ergonomics review of equipment and platform design specifications. Providing HF / Ergonomics advice to accident investigators. Depending on the needs of the task, the post-holder will at times work independently and at other times collaboratively with team members or colleagues in other departments. The post-holder will be required to engage with customers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior military and civilian personnel. Occasional travel is necessary within the UK and sometimes overseas; this may involve overnight stays on land, and possibly at sea. Person specification An honours degree (2:1 minimum) or equivalent in a Human Factors / Ergonomics or related science or engineering discipline is essential for this role. Eligibility for Registered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) is essential (subscription fees will be paid by the MOD). Qualifications An honours degree (2:1 minimum) or equivalent in a Human Factors / Ergonomics or related science or engineering discipline is essential for this role. Memberships Eligibility for Registered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) is essential (subscription fees will be paid by the MOD). Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Building and applying knowledge Communicating science and engineering for government Broad thinking Alongside your salary of £29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,569 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Benefits As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference. Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. Other benefits for Navy Command civil servants include: 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service. Personal & professional development Alternative working patterns for many roles Access to a confidential, professional support service Discount schemes. Bicycle / season ticket loans. Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role. Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts. Any move to MOD 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 at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments. MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills. Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience. At sift and interview, you will be assessed against the following: Technical Skills Building and applying knowledge Communicating science and engineering for government Broad thinking The Technical skills are taken from the GSE Framework If successfully sifted, candidates will be required to submit a 500 words essay on a topic to be determined, and give a short 10-min presentation at interview. Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment. The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements Open to UK nationals only. Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. 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). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. 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). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion 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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact Name : Dr Adrian Allsopp Email : adrian.allsopp741@mod.gov.uk Telephone : 02392768066 Recruitment team Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk Further information Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.