Laboratory Leader, Environmental Analysis (Nuclear)

Nuclear Restoration Services; Thurso; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) at Dounreay is seeking a Laboratory Leader to guide the Environmental Analysis team, ensuring safety, quality and regulatory compliance while supporting decommissioning progress.

You will manage operations, develop staff, maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, deliver timely analyses and reports, engage with regulators and customers, and drive continuous improvement across the laboratory's QMS.

Qualifications

• HND in Science or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in analytical radiometric counting in regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 and UKAS accreditation requirements.
• Proven leadership and people management capability.
• Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Environmental Analysis laboratory areas in the D1310 Laboratory, ensuring work is delivered safely and efficiently within the Authorisation to Operate (ATO).
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 standards, maintaining UKAS accreditation and delivering inter-comparison requirements.
• Lead, develop, and manage laboratory staff, acting as a Line Manager.
• Deliver sample preparation, analysis, and reporting to meet regulatory and decommissioning deadlines, including emergent work.
• Monitor performance across safety and quality, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions.
• Minimise operational delays by identifying constraints and driving improvements to reduce downtime.
• Support and enhance the Laboratories' Quality Management System (QMS), including audits, non-compliance management, and continuous improvement.
• Engage with customers, regulators, and auditors, provide reports, and support nuclear material accountancy and safety authorisations.

Skills

Analytical radiometric counting

Leadership

ISO 17025 knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Method development

Safety awareness

Stakeholder communication

Education

HND in Science or equivalent qualification

Job description

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) at Dounreay is seeking a Laboratory Leader to guide the Environmental Analysis team, ensuring safety, quality and regulatory compliance while supporting decommissioning progress.

You will manage operations, develop staff, maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, deliver timely analyses and reports, engage with regulators and customers, and drive continuous improvement across the laboratory's QMS.