Assistant Scientist 2025

We have an opportunity to support the National Regulation and Monitoring as an Assistant Scientist at Starcross.

You will be required to use a variety of Inorganic techniques to analyse environmental freshwater, saline and effluent samples for Inorganic analytes. This, together with the data handling of results, will require you to have good team working skills and excellent attention to detail. You will be required to apply your analytical knowledge to support the team in ensuring compliance with the requirements of our quality management system.

You will need to be able to demonstrate that you can prioritise and plan your daily work within laboratory policies and procedures at all times. There is an expectation that you will work towards becoming a Registered Scientist with the Institute of Science and Technology as part of your own development

You will actively promote health, safety and wellbeing ensuring provision of safe working practices in line with Environment Agency guidance. The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

The team

You will be part of the National Regulation and Monitoring that provides analytical services to the Environment Agency (EA) and external customers. Based at Starcross Nr Exeter, the team, of 24 staff, analyse environmental water samples for Inorganic analytes using a range of different techniques and instrumentation.

Experience/skills required

Ideally you will be educated to degree level or equivalent and have an understanding of working in a laboratory setting.

You must enjoy working in a busy team environment, often under pressure to achieve results. You must have knowledge of how quality management systems work, with the ability to apply this knowledge to deliver continuous improvements to the analysis of environmental samples.

You will be able to demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development, for example by being, working towards, or willing to work towards becoming, a Registered Scientist with the Institute of Science and Technology (or similar).

Contact and additional information

The role is based on a 37 hour working week. You will be required to work these hours at the Starcross Laboratory. This is a non hybrid role.

There are 2 working patterns available Monday to Friday and Tuesday to Saturday. There is infrequent travel with this role, all work will be undertaken at Starcross, Exeter. There is potential for a offsite training course.

Interviews for this role are scheduled to take place week beginning 11th November 2024

Competences

Communicates Effectively

• Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
• What do you think good communication in a team looks like and what are your strengths in this area.

Works in Teams

• Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
• What strengths do you bring to a team, and what are the most important aspects of working in a team.

Scientific knowledge

• Applies acquired knowledge and experience to produce and interpret results from samples analysed in the chemistry/ microbiology laboratory.
• Please can you provide me with an example of your knowledge of Inorganic chemistry.

Additional information

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service.

For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls.