Laboratory Assistant x2

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 studies.We 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 Chemical Analysis and Laboratory - Forest Research 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, If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour 'Working Together'. However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all behaviours at the interview stage.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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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., + 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including Science, Maths and English, + Some experience of working in a chemical laboratory

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 forestresearch.gov.uk.
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.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Working Together
+ Delivering at Pace, 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. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Your career
+ Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
+ access 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 2.5 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 Programme
+ We 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 Fridays
+ Paid 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 Pension where employer contributions are 28.97 % of your salary
+ an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
+ Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
+ Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
+ With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’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 leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.