32485 - Assistant Scientist Organic Chemistry Screening

Environment Agency; Brighton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A national environmental organization in the United Kingdom is searching for individuals experienced in analytical chemistry to join their Monitoring Laboratory team. This role involves the analysis of environmental samples to support climate change initiatives. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of laboratory techniques, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate under tight deadlines. This is a permanent position working Monday to Friday. Joining this team offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to environmental assessments and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in an analytical laboratory with knowledge of analytical techniques.
• Proven communication skills for effective team collaboration.
• Ability to prioritize workload while adhering to strict quality criteria.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality analytical service to defined targets.
• Analyze samples using extraction techniques and advanced instrumentation.
• Participate in pollution analysis rotation.

Skills

Analytical techniques and instrumentation

Good communication skills

Problem solving skills

Ability to work under tight deadlines

Education

Chemistry A-Level or equivalent

Job description

Overview

We value a diverse workforce. We want to be an organisation that represents modern Britain and the communities we serve. We want everybody to feel included, fairly treated and recognised for their contribution. If you have experience of analytical chemistry within a laboratory setting and a passion for the natural environment this is an exciting opportunity for you. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated people with relevant experience and skills to come and join us in our Monitoring Laboratory based in Leeds. You will be directly contributing to the Environment Agency response to climate change by working within a small team carrying out the analysis of environmental samples, predominantly for screening of organic pollutants. This is an exciting time to join our team as we are expanding our facilities and our workload to deliver Defra’s flagship Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme.

All EA employees are expected to participate in incident response and will receive relevant training and support to identify an appropriate role which suits their own personal circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Working as part of a team delivering a high-quality analytical service to defined time, cost and quality targets
• Analysing samples using a variety of extraction techniques and state of the art instrumentation
• Keeping work areas tidy
• Ensuring Health and Safety procedures are adhered to including active monitoring
• Carrying out routine laboratory tasks e.g. routine calibrations, stock control, making of analytical standards
• Have the opportunity to participate in a rota for pollution analysis
• Your role will initially and primarily be as part of the Organics screening team but may also support other areas of organic chemistry preparation and may have the opportunity to rotate around other sections of the laboratory.

Working pattern

This is a permanent role working Monday- Friday

The team

You will be part of a team delivering the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment Programme. Once developed you will become part of our core Leeds operational team alongside approximately 60 other staff. We provide analytical services to the Environment Agency and external customers including the analysis of sediments, soils, biota and waters from across England and around the coastline.

To find out more, please look at our website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency/about

Experience/skills required

Essential:

• Working in an analytical laboratory with knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation
• Good communication skills are essential to allow you to work closely with your team and other teams on site
• Able to work to tight deadlines and have an ability to prioritise workload, while adhering to strict quality criteria.
• Problem solving skills.
• Adherence to health and safety policies including active monitoring

Desirable:

• Experience of working within a quality standard or within a UKAS accredited chemistry laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
• Ideally you will be educated to at least Chemistry A-Level or equivalent in a relevant subject or have some experience of working in a Chemistry laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025