At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team analysing water samples to support environmental sustainability and public health.
- Company: Key public body with a focus on analytical services and environmental impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and potential for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while working with advanced scientific techniques.
- Qualifications: Degree in Science or Chemistry and at least 1 year of lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a key public body's Analytical Services team at their Gelvin Grange laboratory. Operating within an ISO 17025 accredited environment, you will play a vital role in ensuring the effective chemical analysis of water matrices, directly supporting environmental sustainability and public health compliance across the region. This position offers hands‐on technical exposure with advanced instrumentation and the chance to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within a highly professional scientific team.
Key Responsibilities
- Working as part of the Analytical Services team, the post holder will be responsible for the collection and chemical analysis of wastewater, trade effluent, sludge, and soils.
- Analysis & Data Integrity: Carrying out chemical analysis within agreed turnaround times, utilising advanced instrumentation (such as Mass Spectrometry and ICP-OES). Ensuring all results are checked, recorded, and accurately transcribed onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Quality & Accreditation: Maintaining the laboratory's quality management system in strict accordance with ISO 17025, UKAS, and NIEA requirements. Conducting investigations into deviations or non-conformities, and participating in internal quality audits.
- Resources Management: Maintaining day‑to‑day expenditure against agreed budgets, managing stock levels of chemicals/consumables, and liaising with suppliers for equipment servicing and preventive maintenance.
- Stakeholder & Customer Relations: Providing internal and external customers with evidence‑based scientific comments, building strong relationships with key stakeholders (including UKAS auditors), and supervising/mentoring students or scientific Higher Level Apprentices.
- Health & Safety: Ensuring full compliance with all laboratory safety procedures, risk assessments, and COSHH requirements when handling hazardous chemicals and acids.
Essential Criteria
- Qualification: A third‑level qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) in Science, Chemistry, or Environmental Science.
- Experience: At least 1 year of practical analytical chemistry experience within a laboratory operating under a formal Quality Management System.
- Technical Knowledge: Clear knowledge and understanding of chemical analytical techniques and the ISO 17025 standard.
- Health & Safety: Practical knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to a laboratory environment.
- IT Literacy: Demonstrable proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Professional Membership: Current membership of (or a willingness to achieve membership of) a relevant professional body.
Desirable Criteria
- Practical knowledge of chemical analysis specifically within the water industry.
What's on Offer
- Salary: Competitive
- Position Type: Temporary (6 Months Initially)
- Location: On‑site at Gelvin Grange, L'Derry
- Hours & Flexibility: The post holder will be required to work flexible hours, including standby/on‑call, weekends, and bank holidays as required by site operations.
Please Note - This position is subject to a Basic Access NI check. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. This will be considered in line with Access NI code of practice & MCS Group's Access NI policies.
Locations
Scientific Officer - Clean Water Chemistry in Derry, Londonderry employer: MCS Group
Join a dedicated public body at the Gelvin Grange laboratory, where you will be part of a professional team committed to environmental sustainability and public health. With a strong focus on employee development, you will gain hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation in an ISO 17025 accredited environment, while enjoying a supportive work culture that values quality and continuous improvement. This role not only offers competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Officer - Clean Water Chemistry in Derry, Londonderry
✨Leverage University Connections
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We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Officer - Clean Water Chemistry in Derry, Londonderry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills:For a temporary role in scientific research, it’s key to highlight your hands-on experience and skills. Use your CV to detail any relevant projects or experiments you’ve worked on, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and techniques you've mastered. Don’t forget to mention any lab techniques or tools that you’re familiar with – this can really set you apart!
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Academic Credentials Matter:Make sure your academic background shines through, especially any relevant degrees, certifications, or publications. If you’ve been involved in conducting research, definitely bring that up! It’s important to demonstrate your theoretical foundations and any formal recognitions you've received in the scientific field.
Include References from Previous Researchers:Having strong references can make all the difference in a temporary role in scientific research. If you can, include references from previous supervisors or professors who can vouch for your research capabilities and work ethic. This adds credibility to your application and gives MCS Group assurance of your skills and professional behaviour.
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
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Dive deep into the specific area of scientific research that MCS Group focuses on. Whether it's biotech or environmental sciences, familiarise yourself with recent publications and breakthroughs. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but you're genuinely engaged with the field.
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✨Bring Your Best Work to the Table
Even if this is a temporary gig, showcase any relevant projects or research you've completed. If you have a portfolio, make it succinct yet impactful. Showcasing tangible results can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers at MCS Group.
