Chemical and Research Analyst in Preston

Job Description

Job Description for Chemical and

Research

Analyst: This is where your skills play a critical role in keeping everyone safe.

Working in Safety, Security & Safeguards gives you the chance to make your mark on some hugely interesting projects.

UKNNL does work that nobody else in the sector is doing, and this means we need experts like you to make it possible, whilst keeping everyone safe.

We’re committed to using nuclear science to benefit society for years to come.

This means that you can build a long and successful career here whilst playing a meaningful role in delivering cleaner energy, reducing waste and keeping colleagues and the public out of harm’s way.

The Measurement and Analysis team at Preston sits within the UKNNL Nuclear Operations Capability.

The team is continuing to grow and develop to meet the current and future demand across a number of large scale technical programmes.

The team predominantly supports large scale technical programmes of work such as post-irradiation examination (PIE) isotopic analysis for defence and civil customers, with development of analytical techniques undertaken at the UKNNL Preston Laboratory, and ISO17025 accredited measurements for customers in the Health and Nuclear Medicine, Environmental Restoration and Clean Energy business areas.

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is seeking a graduate/post doctorate level chemist with experience in analytical chemistry.

The individual should also enjoy laboratory working and be comfortable with developing their theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of nuclear science and technology.

The role will provide resilience to the team across a number of process and analytical chemistry disciplines and support the delivery of R&D programmes to our customers.

Many of the challenges you will work on are unique and therefore most important is the curiosity to learn and the ability to apply your knowledge to practical scenarios.

The role will provide you with the opportunity to be involved at the earliest stages of some of UKNNL’s highest-profile programmes of work, allowing you to build up your knowledge and experience through practical exposure.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, safety case specialists and plant operators and we will draw on your technical skills and knowledge to provide robust technical solutions to problems.

The successful candidate will work predominantly in controlled areas within UKNNL’s Preston Laboratory, reaching out into other UKNNL facilities as required, with limited opportunities for home working.

The role has the potential to access both technical and behavioural developmental courses with a defined career progression.

Experience in the radiochemistry or radioanalytical chemistry is desirable but not essential, as all training will be provided but the ability to obtain SC clearance is essential.

• Main Responsibilities for Chemical and Research Analyst
• Work alongside project/programme managers and customers to ensure that work is delivered to time, cost, quality and safety requirements.
• Analyse and troubleshoot equipment operability, technical queries, and performance issues.
• Mentor junior staff to support their technical career development under the guidance of the Capability Manager and Senior Technical Lead.
• Develop and validate technical methods within the team.
• Produce concise and accurate technical reports.
• Develop relationships through technical interactions with M&A customers (both internal and external) to develop and grow the capability.
• Assist in gaining and maintaining UKAS accreditation across the analytical techniques within the Measurement & Analysis capability at Preston Laboratory.

Essential Criteria for Chemical and Research Analyst

• BSc/MSc Chemistry.

• Experience in

• Analytical chemistry
• Mass spectrometry
• Radiochemistry
• Separation chemistry
• Excellent communication skills to engage with the wider technical team, instrument suppliers and experts from other companies.
• Pragmatic and pro‑active approach in responding to technical and organisational challenges.
• Excellent and demonstrable appreciation of the need to balance R&D objectives with customer requirements and commercial opportunities.
• Evidence of defining and upholding exemplary standards in safety and quality.
• Ability to obtain SC level security clearance (identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).
• British citizenship as defined in the British Nationality Act 1981. Dual nationality is considered if one nationality is British.

Desirable Criteria for Chemical and Research Analyst

• Ph D.
• Experience of technical working groups, attending workshops, writing/presenting technical papers and presenting at both local and international conferences.

Why join us?

We also offer a range of employee benefits

• Sector-leading family‑focused policies: celebrate life events, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and a week off for your marriage.
• UKNNL offers attractive pension plans: 5% contribution yields 15% matching; 0% contribution still yields 10% matching.
• Annual leave: 25.5 days plus 4 extra days during Christmas shutdown, plus Bank Holidays.
• Reduced gym membership with discounts of up to 25% from 3,700 gym and leisure providers across the UK.
• Company bonus: be rewarded for your contributions.
• Learning opportunities: enhance your skills through excellent development programmes.
• Employee assistance: access support for personal and professional challenges.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Life assurance to ensure peace of mind for you and loved ones.
• Enhanced sick pay benefits.
• Access to ‘Mydiscounts’ for over 200 suppliers, including medical and dental insurance.
• Health savings plan: claim money back on visits to the dentist, optician or physiotherapist (limits apply).

About The Company

UKNNL is an incredible place to work.

A place where people do things that have never been done before.

A place where people push boundaries to further themselves, the business and society as a whole.

We offer personal and professional opportunities that are limitless and invite those who want to change the world, tackle climate change, advance medical science, help put things in space, answer big questions, work with extraordinary materials, meet great people, learn new skills, challenge themselves and build a long, successful career with the power to make a real impact.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UKNNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I).

We aim to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures, providing reasonable adjustments as appropriate.

We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging and the ability to work in a way that works for you.

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