Scientific Officer (ScO) - Water Chemistry Group Laboratories


Job description

The NICS is seeking to fill Scientific Officer roles that require specific skills and experience. Applications are invited from candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, to apply for this opportunity and challenge. This booklet provides further information on the key responsibilities of the Scientific Officer role in the NICS and sets out the skills and competencies required. We have also included important information on the selection process. There are currently 8 full time vacancies within Water Chemistry Group (4 within the Inorganic Chemistry team, 1 within the Trace Metals team and 2 within the Trace Organics team and 1 within the quality team) Water Management Unit of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The current posts on offer will be based at Lisburn..

Responsibilities

  • Quality assurance of analytical data - monitoring of Internal Quality Control & other Quality parameter Charts - record & assess data; QC Version 22.0 11 chart review.
  • Compliance with ISO 17025 and UKAS accreditation. Recording and investigation of non-conforming work;
  • Reporting of analytical data within target turnaround times;
  • Checking of analytical results and data transcription onto specified end users worksheets and using LIMS (Laboratory Information management System) to transfer results to end user teams;
  • Assist with Method Development & Validation;
  • Management of laboratory resources- stock Control / ordering of laboratory consumables and ensuring that laboratory equipment issues are highlighted or dealt with.
  • Receipt of items received, compliance with procurement procedure, recording of expenditure for financial management purposes;
  • Maintenance & Calibration of laboratory equipment;
  • Writing of technical reports;
  • Attendance at court when required;
  • Participation in internal (in-house quality section) & external audits (UKAS);
  • Participation in External Proficiency Scheme;
  • Compliance with Health & Safety policies within the laboratory (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) & Risk Assessments);
  • Supervision and training of temporary and permanent staff as required and ensuring said staff adhere to H&S policies within the laboratory;
  • Liaison with end user teams and sampling field staff;
  • Assist with evaluating capital equipment purchases, i.e. assessing requirements, obtaining quotes, tender evaluation;
  • Undertake internal and external training required to develop and enhance skills and knowledge;
  • Develop background knowledge of method analysis and directives driving the analysis;
  • Assist with day to day running of the Chemistry Laboratories;
  • Adherence to performance management system - including In Year Reviews and End of Year Reviews with line management;
  • Flexibility required with regards to working hours as the laboratories are extremely busy in the afternoon once samples are received;
  • Overtime to include weekend work;
  • Travel on official duty in accordance with business needs.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

  • EC1 At least 2 years' practical experience gained in the last 8 years' working in a chemistry laboratory where the primary position of the role involves: Sample preparation and analysis or Quality assurance of data e.g. ISO 17025 compliance or
  • EC1 (continued) Field sampling of waters, effluents or borewells. Experience may be gained in academia, voluntary or work related fields;
  • AND EC2 At least four GCE/GCSE 'O' Levels, grades A-C, in separate subjects which must include English Language, Mathematics and at least one Science subject (Chemistry, Biology, Physics)
  • AND EC3 Have a full valid driving licence which permits the licence holder to drive in Northern Ireland and /or access to a form of transport which will enable the applicant to meet the requirements of the post.

Desirable Skills

  • SC1 The Panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the depth and breadth of information provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 1.
  • SC2 A HNC/HND or (equivalent/higher qualification) in the subject of Chemistry or in a subject where the study of Chemistry is a major component.
  • SC2 (continued) Major component is defined as at least 50 percent of the course covers core chemistry modules such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical or analytical chemistry modules.

Further Information

Work time: Monday to Friday. NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 7th October 2022 at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC281156)

Vacancy ID
1569413
Job ref.
IRC281156
Job Sector
Public Sector
Area
Co Antrim
Location
Water Chemistry Laboratories, Water Management Unit, NIEA, 17 Antrim Road, Lisburn, BT28 3AL.
Salary
£28,706 - £29,307 per annum
No. vacancies
8
Contract Type
Permanent
Weekly hours
37
Published date
20/09/2022
Closing date
07/10/2022
Worktime
Monday to Friday

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