Richard Dockree

Experience

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  Diamond Light Source

  Jul 2010 - Oct 2010

  Placement Student

  Learnt detailed matlab programming quickly and produced a unique script to investigate a new optical measurement technique.Results published in SPIE Proceedings Volume 7801 “Using the power spectral density method to characterise the surface topography of optical surfaces”.Used state of the art technology in Diamonds on site clean-room.Learnt scientific report making skills and presentation techniques.

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  National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

  Jul 2011 - Oct 2011

  Placement Student

  Developed good laboratory practice from a national calibration institute.Investigated a new/novel real-time water content measurement technique.Produced a conference style poster that was presented at the royal society.

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  AWE

  Oct 2012 - Jan 2021

  Recognised passive/active detection subject matter expert and technical leader for the Inland/Border detection missions. Routinely providing advice/expertise to the UK Home Office up to ministerial level.Leading the R&D to underpin/improve our current radiation detection capability in the UK which aims to interdict threat materials and devices on entry to and around the country.Regular positive and pro-active engagement with policy makers resulting in formal acknowledgement of exceptional performance via annual customer feedback/appraisal.Develop/maintain a border/inland detection strategy based on developed capability and technical requirements that supports and influences the Home Office CONTEST initiative and incorporates passive/active interrogation measurement techniques to reduce the risk to the UK.Proven ability to evaluate and assess data quickly with an evidence based approach utilising my own and where appropriate colleagues’ knowledge.Many years’ experience presenting complex technical information to a range of audiences, including non-technical specialists, and representing AWE and the Home Office as the lead in large International collaborations.Identification of staff strengths, weaknesses, key skills/capabilities to ensure the formation of successful project teams.Demonstrated effective project/programme management of all work streams within the borders/inland portfolios, planning/defining and resourcing all tasks.Instigating a plan that aims to ensure the progression and development of early career staff via incorporating training courses, shadowing of experienced staff and mentoring.Successful financial forecasting and management of performance indicators and internal/external deliverables for a circa £2.0m per anum portfolio.Highly organised maintaining order and guiding team members to deliver company objectives.Secure and confident decision maker instilling trust and loyalty from team members whilst encouraging innovation. Show less Designed, modelled, constructed, characterised and commissioned a novel prototype portal monitor for the multi-modal detection of Special nuclear material.Technical lead of in-field international collaborations to assess the performance of radiation portal monitors in the role of border protection.Appointed AWE responsible person for on-site and in field deployment of radioactive sources. Showing knowledge and extensive experience with radiation protection considerations.Demonstrated experience in radiation, general and manual handling risk assessment for in-field and on-site trials/experiments.Routinely undertake complex data processing and assessments and write in-field operating/work instructions applicable to a wide audience.Production of detailed technical reports and presentations tailored to the correct audience level.Several years mentoring experience via participation in company/external mentoring schemes.Extensive algorithm development and assessment against radiation detection scenarios.Trained to be part of AWE’s first (and secondary) response to nuclear incidents as a device radiographer. Successful in-field rapid deployment and demonstration of technical competence under pressure.Successful completion of the AWE graduate programme which included placements within multiple technical areas. Show less

  • Senior Technical Sponsor

    Oct 2016 - Jan 2021

  • Team Leader

    Mar 2019 - Dec 2020

  • Threat Reduction Physicist

    Oct 2012 - Sept 2016
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  UK Home Office

  Jan 2021 - now

  Senior Science Advisor

  Accountable for the input of science and technology into major government programmes.Leader of academic and industrial networks focused on government problemsCritical assessment of major government programmes to assess system efficacy.Leader of the radiological and nuclear science and technology programme