32224 - Assistant Scientist

Environment Agency; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK Government Agency seeks an Assistant Scientist for the Metals analysis team at their Monitoring Laboratory in Starcross, Exeter. The role involves preparing environmental samples, conducting routine analysis using accredited methods, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Ideal candidates are degree-educated or have relevant lab experience, with strong teamwork and attention to detail. Full training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or relevant scientific experience.
• Experience in an ISO 17025 accredited lab is advantageous.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare environmental samples for analysis.
• Perform routine sample analysis for Metals analytes.
• Prepare analytical quality control solutions.
• Calibrate and check laboratory equipment.

Skills

Team working skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn and develop

Education

Degree level education or relevant scientific qualifications

Job description

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual to join us as an Assistant Scientist in the Metals analysis/QS (Quality Solutions) team at our Monitoring Laboratory based in Starcross. Working with other Assistant Scientists, you will be supporting the section in the day to day running of the laboratory so that key analytical targets are achieved and ensure compliance to our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Key responsibilities

• Working in the Metals analytical area preparing environmental samples for analysis.
• Routine sample analysis to defined time, cost and quality targets. Using analytical techniques to analyse environmental samples for Metals analytes (ICPOES, ICPMS and CVAF). Methods are accredited to ISO17025.
• Working within the Quality Solutions area, preparing analytical quality control solutions.
• Carry out calibration and checks of laboratory subsidiary equipment.

Excellent team working skills, good attention to detail and a willingness to learn and develop are essential for the role. You will be required to demonstrate that you are able to prioritise and plan your work and comply with Health and Safety, laboratory and Environment Agency policies and procedures. You will work independently and co-operatively within the team to achieve common goals.

Incident response

Finally, responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training, and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident.

The team

You will be part of the Monitoring Laboratories that provides analytical services to the Environment Agency (EA). You will be based at Starcross as a member of the Metals/QS Team of 10 staff.

Experience & skills required

Ideally you will be educated to degree level, have relevant scientific qualifications or have experience working within a laboratory, though full training will be given. Previous experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory would be advantageous but not essential.

You will need to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile which include:

• Achieves Results
• Works in Teams.
• Communicates Effectively
• Manage your Health and Safety