Analytical Chemist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity exists for an Analytical Chemist to join the Hydrocarbons Team within the Radiological and Chemical Sciences (RACS) Group. Our work area comprises a diverse group of scientists and technicians who provide high quality analytical support and expertise, data interpretation and scientific advice to a comprehensive portfolio of internal and external projects for UK and international partners.

In this role you will develop experience and expertise in analytical sciences and techniques to analyse an array of hydrocarbon compounds, including measuring their concentrations in marine environmental samples. You will be expected to contribute to the meeting of project delivery deadlines and to ensure that our laboratories operate to consistently high levels of Quality standards (ISO/IEC17025; UKAS accreditation).

We are a dynamic team delivering on an exciting portfolio of high-impact science and work which we continue to develop and grow including areas of Research and Development (R&D). We are seeking an analytical chemist who will be passionate about their work and will be a dedicated, committed scientist looking for a long-term career path. There will be opportunities to develop and grow with the role and to contribute to impactful and interesting science as part of an inclusive and friendly team.

The data you produce will be related to the measurements of contaminants in the marine environment, as part of Cefas� vision of providing science and evidence that governments need to create clean, healthy, sustainable seas as part of a blue future.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the and the .

Job description

Based at our Lowestoft site, most of your time will be spent working in a laboratory environment, in regular communication with the Hydrocarbons Technical Manger and Principal Scientist. The main duties and responsibilities of this post include:

Analysis and reporting of samples for hydrocarbon compounds in the marine environment; Laboratory housekeeping and management; Calibration of instruments and maintaining records; Co-ordinating project delivery and sample preparation; Operation and maintenance of complex instrumentation (Spectrofluorimeter, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detector); Troubleshooting and problem solving; Delivery of quality assured data; Working in accordance with formal quality systems (ISO/IEC17025, UKAS accreditation) and helping to maintain standards of accreditation; and Innovating and developing new methods and improvements

In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.

Person specification

The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:

You must have some experience of working in an analytical laboratory following Standard Operating Procedures; Experience of operating, maintaining and calibrating analytical instrumentation is an advantage; Knowledge of quality control practices and associated documentation relevant to ISO/IEC17025; You must have a curiosity and determination towards solving analytical problems and driving change to improve efficiency and analytical understanding to improve our science; Effective team working is essential to this role, as is the ability to work autonomously and use your own initiative; We need highly self-motivated and enthusiastic people with a positive attitude to learning new skills and to continuous improvement; You must have good verbal and written communication skills; It is essential that you are methodical, organised, have the ability to multitask whilst maintaining focus, have sound problem-solving skills, and excellent attention to detail; You will need to be flexible and possess the ability to organise your own workload to meet deadlines; and You must also show an awareness of good health and safety culture and be able to follow COSHH Risk Assessments.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Delivering at Pace Working Together Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

�Working experience of performing laboratory techniques and be able to accurately and consistently follow standard operating procedures �Be able to demonstrate an appreciation of analytical quality control and required documentation and practices �Be able to demonstrate situations where you have solved a problem �Some experience in operating analytical instrumentation including basic troubleshooting, maintenance and calibration

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �27,210, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes �7,882 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Generous annual leave entitlement � Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday.Access to learning and development tailored to your role.A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options.A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme � more information can be found on the CSP website Staff recognition vouchers.In-year award scheme.