Royal Navy Applied Physiologist / Nutritionist

UK Ministry of Defence


Date: 1 day ago
City: Gosport
Contract type: Part time
Gosport, South East England, PO12 2DL

Job Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small multi-disciplinary team of Applied Physiology (AP) professionals (physiologists, nutritionists and dietitians) at the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM). The AP 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/ exercise science, physiology and nutrition. The successful candidate will support the further development of nutrition and health within the RN and wider MOD through the provision of research, education and consultancy in nutrition, as well as supporting the wider work programme of the AP group and EMS division.

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

This position will support general AP activities but will have a specific focus on providing nutrition support to Defence assurance activities and the AP work programme. Current AP projects include improving the in-unit food offer to Defence people, operational ration pack development, evaluation of energy balance during arduous exercise in extreme environments, and education and training to support Service personnel to improve their diet and health behaviours as a foundation to military performance. In addition, the group directly contributes to the Defence Nutrition Advisory Service (DNAS). Other AP work areas include monitoring training load and sleep, development of physical employment standards and tests, interventions to mitigate injury and illness risk, and examining the implications of shift work on nutrition and performance. The position may also provide physiology support to the EMS Division during Heat Illness Clinics or other laboratory and exercise testing.

Responsibilities

Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing expertise in nutrition and applied physiology to RN, RM, other Departments within the INM, and to other Defence and Government authorities.
  • Supporting the DNAS in providing nutrition advice and guidance across the Armed Forces.
  • Supporting studies and the provision of advice relating to health, nutrition and physical performance.
  • Supporting work to develop standards, inform requirements and contribute to the assurance of in-unit and operational food provision.
  • Supporting the development and delivery of nutrition education, advice and guidance to support physical performance and health of Armed Forces personnel.
  • Delivery of nutrition courses and presentations to large groups (in person and online).
  • Employing appropriate methods in measuring and interrogating the nutrition and health requirements and human performance standards in terms of military selection, preparedness for role and through career.
  • Providing applied physiology support to the AP group and EMS activities, as required.

Depending on the needs of the task, the post-holder will at times work independently and at other times work collaboratively with team members, colleagues from the wider MOD and external collaborators. The post holder will be required to engage with customers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior military and civilian personnel. A degree of travel is necessary within the UK and sometimes overseas; this will involve overnight stays on land, and possibly at sea. A full UK driving license is essential.

This position will support general AP activities but will have a specific focus on providing nutrition support to Defence assurance activities and the AP work programme. Current AP projects include improving the in-unit food offer to Defence people, operational ration pack development, evaluation of energy balance during arduous exercise in extreme environments, and education and training to support Service personnel to improve their diet and health behaviours as a foundation to military performance. In addition, the group directly contributes to the Defence Nutrition Advisory Service (DNAS). Other AP work areas include monitoring training load and sleep, development of physical employment standards and tests, interventions to mitigate injury and illness risk, and examining the implications of shift work on nutrition and performance. The position may also provide physiology support to the EMS Division during Heat Illness Clinics or other laboratory and exercise testing.

Specific Tasks May Include, But Are Not Limited To:

  • Providing expertise in nutrition and applied physiology to RN, RM, other Departments within the INM, and to other Defence and Government authorities.
  • Supporting the DNAS in providing nutrition advice and guidance across the Armed Forces.
  • Supporting studies and the provision of advice relating to health, nutrition and physical performance.
  • Supporting work to develop standards, inform requirements and contribute to the assurance of in-unit and operational food provision.
  • Supporting the development and delivery of nutrition education, advice and guidance to support physical performance and health of Armed Forces personnel.
  • Delivery of nutrition courses and presentations to large groups (in person and online).
  • Employing appropriate methods in measuring and interrogating the nutrition and health requirements and human performance standards in terms of military selection, preparedness for role and through career.
  • Providing applied physiology support to the AP group and EMS activities, as required.

Depending on the needs of the task, the post-holder will at times work independently and at other times work collaboratively with team members, colleagues from the wider MOD and external collaborators. The post holder will be required to engage with customers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior military and civilian personnel. A degree of travel is necessary within the UK and sometimes overseas; this will involve overnight stays on land, and possibly at sea. A full UK driving license is essential.

Person specification

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual capable of working both within teams and independently. Relevant training, support and guidance will be provided. Conference attendance and research publication, where relevant to the organisation and tasked work outputs, is encouraged and supported. The successful candidate should hold (or show clear progression towards) Associate or Registered Nutritionist (ANutr or RNutr) status on the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, hold Registered Dietitian status, or be on the Sports and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR).

Essential: A 2.1 or First Class honours degree or equivalent in a physiology/nutrition or related discipline. Applied experience in nutrition education delivery. Full UK driving license.

Desirable: A post-graduate Masters level qualification in public health nutrition, nutrition, sports nutrition, exercise science or allied area. Hold (or show clear progression towards) Associate or Registered Nutritionist (ANutr or RNutr) status on the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, hold Registered Dietitian status, or be on the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR). Applied physiology and/or nutrition research experience including research design, data collection, data analysis and report writing. Experience working in Defence.

Qualifications

2.1 or First Class honours degree or equivalent in a physiology/nutrition or related discipline.

Licences

Full UK driving license

Qualifications

2:1 or First Class honours degree in a physiology/nutrition or related discipline.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

  • GSE Technical Skill: Building and applying knowledge
  • GSE Technical Skill: Communicating science and engineering for government

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.

In Navy Command we understand the everyday commitments both inside and outside the workplace, so our aim is to provide the flexibility to maintain a great work-life balance.

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
  • A very competitive pension scheme
  • 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

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 Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign, each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.

We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group.

Candidates will be required to provide a CV including job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous relevant experiences and skills.

Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, but in the event of a high number of applications, the sift will be conducted on your CV.

At sift and interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Delivering at Pace

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Career Framework

In addition to your behaviours and experience, your technical skills will be assessed against the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Career Framework). In particular, building and applying knowledge, and communicating science and engineering for government.

You will be asked to give a short presentation during the interview process, plus undertake a short role-related exercise.

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.

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 Behaviours, 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 :

Recruitment team

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: [email protected].

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