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 with advanced tech, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and the chance to mentor students in a dynamic lab environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while gaining valuable lab experience.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND/Degree in Science or Chemistry and at least 1 year of lab experience.
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, utilizing 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.
Scientific Officer - Clean Water Chemistry in Londonderry employer: MCS Group
Join a leading public body dedicated to environmental sustainability and public health compliance at our Gelvin Grange laboratory. As a Scientific Officer, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and offers hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques in an ISO 17025 accredited environment. With opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives and mentorship, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of clean water chemistry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Officer - Clean Water Chemistry in Londonderry
✨Leverage University Connections
If you're still at uni or have recently graduated, tap into your university's career services and research departments. They often have leads on temporary research roles, internships, or projects that haven’t been widely advertised yet!
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Join online forums and local meetups specific to your research area. Platforms like ResearchGate or specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for finding short-term research opportunities and connecting with fellow researchers who might know of openings.
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✨Apply through Our Website!
Remember to check out the openings on our website. Applying directly for roles like the Scientific Officer - Clean Water Chemistry at MCS Group shows your enthusiasm and makes you more visible to hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Officer - Clean Water Chemistry in 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!
Highlight Your Adaptability:Since this is a temporary position, employers like MCS Group will want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to quickly grasp new concepts and fit in with diverse teams. Give examples of past experiences where you had to adapt swiftly, as it shows you’re ready for any challenges the research might throw at you.
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
✨Understand the Research Landscape
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.
✨Don't Skip the Technical Skills
As a temporary hire, you might be expected to hit the ground running. Be ready to discuss specific techniques or tools you’ve used, like statistical software or lab equipment. Practise explaining your experience in a clear, structured way so the interviewers can grasp your skills right away.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new protocols and projects. Be prepared to share examples of how you've managed shifting priorities or learned new methodologies on the fly. This will help demonstrate that you're a quick learner who can contribute immediately.
✨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.
