Analytical Chemist
Ref: 351949
Salary: £27,210 - £28,400
A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Location: This vacancy is based at our site in Lowestoft
Closing date: 11:55pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024.
Job summary
An exciting opportunity exists for two Analytical Chemists with experience 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 utilise your 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 two analytical chemists who are passionate about their work and are dedicated, committed scientists looking for a long-term career path. There will be opportunities to develop and grow with the roles 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.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
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
- 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.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
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.
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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.