Analytical Services Officer — Food & Water Analysis

Lancashire County Council; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire County Council is seeking an Analytical Services Officer to join our UKAS-accredited laboratory in Preston. You will provide technical support, perform analyses, and help ensure accuracy and timeliness of results for public health and environmental testing.

Join a team committed to quality, continuous improvement, and professional development, with responsibilities spanning food chemistry, water analysis and microbiology. Weekend rota may apply.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific subject, or substantial practical experience in an analytical laboratory.
• Experience working with laboratory equipment, analytical systems and scientific software.
• Experience carrying out analytical testing using established methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality systems, quality control procedures and Good Laboratory Practice.

Responsibilities

• Analyse food and water samples using chemistry and microbiological techniques.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, standards and microbiological media.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, quality documentation and electronic data systems, including LIMS.
• Apply quality control procedures and ensure analytical results meet required standards before reporting.
• Calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Support environmental monitoring, quality assurance and UKAS accreditation activities.
• Contribute to method development, service improvements and the sharing of good laboratory practice.
• Support colleagues by sharing knowledge and promoting high standards of analytical practice.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organisation & prioritisation

Problem solving

Education

A level 3 qualification in a relevant scientific subject

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Lancashire County Council is seeking an Analytical Services Officer to join our UKAS-accredited laboratory in Preston. You will provide technical support, perform analyses, and help ensure accuracy and timeliness of results for public health and environmental testing.

Join a team committed to quality, continuous improvement, and professional development, with responsibilities spanning food chemistry, water analysis and microbiology. Weekend rota may apply.