Laboratory Assistant x2

Job summary

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science?� Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis?� Forest Research (FR) is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.

We�re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways.� Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet.� And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it�s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit

The job is located within the Physical Environment Research Group, which undertakes research to improve understanding of the interactions between forestry and the physical environment. Our work includes a range of studies to measure, model and map the impacts of forests, woodlands and their management on soil and water resources, including interactions with environmental change. The results help to guide forestry policy and management practices to secure the soil and water services that underpin the multiple benefits provided by forests.

Job description

Our research relies on a high-quality chemical laboratory service located within the Research Group at Alice Holt Lodge in Surrey. The laboratory is staffed by a small team, comprising a laboratory manager, two analysts and one full time plus two part-time laboratory assistants. Due to a peak in workload, we are seeking 2 additional laboratory assistants to further grow the team. Work will primarily involve sorting and processing foliar and root samples in the laboratory and preparing soil samples for chemical analysis from new research expect the successful individuals to commence employment immediately on completion of pre-employment screening.

The chemical laboratory provides a comprehensive range of standard and specialist tests for inorganic analysis. We handle samples from plants, trees, soil and water following strict quality assurance protocols. Our laboratory is among the top performing chemical analysis facilities across Europe, regularly ranking within the top five in EU-wide inter-laboratory comparison testing. Please refer to � for more information about our work.

Key Work Areas:
i. �Receiving, transferring and processing environmental samples, including sorting, drying, crushing, grinding, sieving, milling and weighing
ii �General laboratory duties, including keeping worktops tidy and washing sample bottles and containers

Person specification

We require individuals� who can follow detailed instructions in accordance with established procedures. Accuracy and tidiness are important and essential in carrying out routine and repetitive tasks. You should be able to work well independently and as part of a team.�

Essential Criteria�

5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including Science, Maths and English

�Desirable Criteria

Some experience of working in a chemical laboratory

Behaviours

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

Working Together Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �24,323, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes �7,046 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Your career

Excellent�professional development opportunities�which are tailored to your role, with paid�professional membership�subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to allaccess to world class�laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings

Your work/life balance

flexible working options�such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities A�generous annual leave allowance�of 25 days per year, rising to 30 days after 5 years (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus days of�additional leave�and 8 days� paid�bank/public holidays

Your wellbeing

Wellbeing support�and�staff networks and�including Mental Health First Aiders, Rainbow Canopy (LGBTQ+) and an�Employee Assistance ProgrammeWe want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a�community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at�Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood FridaysPaid�volunteering leave�of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time

Your benefits

a highly competitive�Civil Service Pensionwhere employer contributions are %�of your salary an employeebenefits scheme offering discountson groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shopsCycle to Workscheme andInterest free loansFreeparkingis offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports Withmaternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leavethere�s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave.Paternity leaveof up to two weeks is available with full pay.