30102 - Inorganics Scientist

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 Inorganic 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 Leeds laboratory. You will be directly contributing to the Environment Agency's response to climate change by supporting a small team carrying out the analysis of solid and liquid environmental samples. Having technical knowledge of Inorganic chemistry, you will complete routine analysis, improving existing methods and developing and validating new ones when required. You will use your expertise and problem-solving skills to identify root causes and to rectify technical issues. You will lead on ensuring our Inorganic methods and data are compliant with ISO17025 quality standards., Essential:

• Extensive experience of working in an analytical laboratory with an in-depth knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation, preferably in the field of environmental analysis. Experience of using, improving and validating methods, and troubleshooting issues on continuous flow analysers, discrete analysers or similar instrumentation.
• Able to work to tight deadlines and have an ability to prioritise individual and team workloads, while adhering to strict quality criteria.
• Good communication skills
Desirable:
• Experience and knowledge of the Environment Agency's chemical and physical analysis programme
• Experience supervising, training and developing the ongoing competency of a small team.
• Experience of working within a quality standard or within a UKAS accredited chemistry laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
• Educated to at least degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject
  
  You will work as part of a small team and take the lead in helping to motivate and develop staff to provide a world class service to our internal and external customers. You will provide the delivery of specific technical and scientific activities in line with defined plans while ensuring work is consistently delivered to required standards and service levels. You will actively promote health, safety and wellbeing, ensuring the provision of safe working practices in line with EA guidance. You will work collaboratively with our laboratory site in Starcross, Devon as you undertake identical methods, covering different areas of the country.
The team You'll be working within a small Inorganics team alongside approximately 60 other Analytical staff and 8 Customer Services colleagues. We provide analytical services to the Environment Agency and external customers which includes the analysis of sediments, soils, biota and waters from across England and around the coastline, as well as offering a bespoke Forensic Waste Service. If you'd like to know a bit more about our work, please look at our website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency/about