Laboratory Quality Systems Scientist - 22269

2
Yorkshire and the Humber
Leeds
LEEDS NLS Olympia House, Gelderd Road, Leeds, LS12 6DD
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time
Quality
£28,785
The Leeds Laboratory provides chemical analysis of environmental samples, using a wide range of analytical techniques, to support the Environment Agency’s regulatory responsibilities. The laboratory is UKAS accredited to EN ISO/IEC 17025 and MCERTS.

As Quality Systems Scientist, you will support the Quality Team in maintaining compliance with all aspects of the laboratory’s Quality Management System. This includes completing audits, training staff in Quality procedures, managing Proficiency Schemes, processing complex sets of data using statistical tools, participating in meetings, supporting the Quality Technical Specialist during annual assessments, maintaining a positive Quality culture, and promoting continual improvement. As the Quality Scientist, you will deputise for the Quality Technical Specialist as required. An interesting aspect of the role is that it can be varied, so the post holder will be able to think outside of the box and assist with problem solving.
Monitoring Laboratories have three sites across the country – Leeds, Starcross and Brampton.

The Leeds Laboratory has approximately 35 staff and specialise in environmental analysis with a focus on biota, sediment, soil, and solid waste. The Leeds Quality Team support the site in ensuring compliance with the laboratory’s Quality Management System. The team form part of the national Quality Management Advisory Group (QMAG), connecting with Quality staff at other Monitoring Laboratories and national support functions.
Ideally educated to degree level with a scientific background, you will demonstrate some understanding of quality assurance and quality control procedures used within an accredited laboratory. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, be highly organised and will use effective planning to deliver outcomes.

You will demonstrate superior attention to detail and be able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels. Experience in the use of Microsoft Office, Excel, and dealing with large data sets is desirable. Some knowledge of basic statistics and the ability to apply this in a laboratory environment would be beneficial, although full training will be provided.
The role is primarily based at the Leeds Laboratory. Occasional travel to off-site meetings may be required. The role is based on a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday.

For more information about the role, contact Sarah Diana, Leeds Quality Technical Specialist on 07788380597 or by email at sarah.diana@environment-agency.gov.uk

20/05/2022, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved processes without compromising quality or accuracy.

Give an example of a time when you have identified and improved a quality procedure.
Data and Information Management
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, and shares data, developing material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes. Accurately processing large amounts of data to deadlines.

Give an example of a time when you were required to process a large amount of data. What happened with the data and were there any outcomes?
Works in Teams
Works co-operatively as part of a multi-disciplinary team to achieve common goals.

What experience do you have of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team? What was your role in the team?
Communicates Effectively
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately, and persuasively through speech and writing.

Effective communication is key to delivering the Quality Scientist role. What experience do you have in communicating with a variety of people across different platforms?
Quality Procedures
The laboratory works to the EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and MCERTS standards.

Describe your experience in working to an accredited quality control standard.
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.