Inorganic Assistant Scientist - 32272

Inorganic Assistant Scientist - 32272
1
South West
Exeter
DEFRA GRP EXETER STARCROSS, EX6 8PE
Staff Grade 2
Permanent
Analytical
Full Time
£25,301

24/11/2025, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Are you passionate about science and helping the environment? Do you want to develop your Laboratory skills and gain valuable experience? Then the Inorganic team could be for you. Our lab is based at the Monitoring Laboratories’ Starcross site. The team delivers core analytical work in parallel with investigational/project work for the Environment Agency and for other government and commercial customers.
As a Grade 2, you will support the analytical work and playing a key role within the team and ensuring that work is carried out to defined quality standards. You will enjoy working as part of a team to deliver organisational goals. You will be comfortable working in a busy lab environment and delivering at pace
The Monitoring Laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC17025 with 3 sites across the country – Leeds, Brampton and Starcross. Starcross specialises in freshwater, saline and effluent analysis. Our Inorganic team comprises approximately 25 staff and is responsible for a wide range of analytical methods that are essential in supporting the Environment Agency’s aims and objectives. The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.
You must have ability to work cooperatively with team members to achieve results.
You must be an effective communicator, able to develop and maintain relationships within the team.
You'll also need to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile.
Knowledge in Inorganic techniques would be desirable.
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 .
This role can be Tuesday to Saturday based on a 37-hour week. A reserve list will apply
Interviews will be held face to face on site at the Starcross laboratory 2 weeks after the closing date

If you have any questions prior to applying, please contact:
Louise Pearce on 02030 250055 or by email at louise.pearce@environment-agency.gov.uk. or
Andrew Welham by email andrew.welham@environment-agency.gov.uk .

As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve. We support flexible working hours and practices to help you strike a good balance between your work and personal life. You’ll have access to a Local Government Pension scheme.

For further information on this role, the employee benefits and work of the Environment Agency. Please download the candidate pack.
Communicates Effectively
Describe, with an example, the differences in your communication techniques between a normal, and a high-pressure, situation.

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.
Achieves Results
Can you give us an example of a time when you have had to complete a piece of work to a tight deadline?

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.
Works in Teams
Provide an example of where you have worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal?

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.
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 . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.