Assistant Scientist - 32224

The Environment Agency is 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.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual to join us as an Assistant Scientist in the Metals analysis/QS (Quality Solutions) team at our Monitoring Laboratory based in Starcross. Working with other Assistant Scientists, you will be supporting the section in the day to day running of the laboratory so that key analytical targets are achieved and ensure compliance to our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

You will be required to carry out laboratory tasks including:-

- Working in the Metals analytical area preparing environmental samples for analysis.

- Routine sample analysis to defined time, cost and quality targets. Using analytical techniques to analyse environmental samples for Metals analytes (ICPOES, ICPMS and CVAF). Methods are accredited to ISO17025.

- Working within the Quality Solutions area, preparing analytical quality control solutions.

- Carry out calibration and checks of laboratory subsidiary equipment.

Excellent team working skills, good attention to detail and a willingness to learn and develop are essential for the role. You will be required to demonstrate that you are able to prioritise and plan your work and comply with Health and Safety, laboratory and Environment Agency policies and procedures. You will work independently and co-operatively within the team to achieve common goals.

Finally, responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training, and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident.

You will be part of the Monitoring Laboratories that provides analytical services to the Environment Agency (EA). You will be based at Starcross as a member of the Metals/QS Team of 10 staff.

Ideally you will be educated to degree level, have relevant scientific qualifications or have experience working within a laboratory, though full training will be given. Previous experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory would be advantageous but not essential.
You will need to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile which include -

Achieves Results
Works in Teams.
Communicates Effectively
Manage your Health and Safety

The role is Monday to Friday based on a 37-hour week. This is a non-hybrid role, and you’ll be required to work these hours at Starcross Laboratory, Exeter. Occasional travel may be required for training/courses.
If you have questions prior to applying, please contact Tanya Hunt by email tanya.hunt@environment-agency.gov.uk. A reserve list will apply. Interviews will be held face to face early December 2025.

For further information on this role, the employee benefits and work of the Environment Agency. Please download the candidate pack.
We encourage you to refer to the EA Capability dictionary and STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) information in the attached candidate pack, to assist you with your application.

Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results

Describe a time when you have achieved something whilst working under pressure.

Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goal

Describe a time when you worked in a team that functioned well as a team. What was your role within the team and why do you think it worked so well?

Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Describe a time when you have used a range of communication methods to present your views in a convincing way. How did you gauge if your colleagues understood you