Senior Assistant Scientist - Quality - 10256

2
South West, Yorkshire and the Humber
Exeter , Leeds
LEEDS NLS Olympia House, Gelderd Road, Leeds, LS12 6DD, NLS Starcross Lab Exeter, EX6 8FD
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Full Time
Science
£22,792
This vacancy is for two positions, one based at NLS Olympia House, Leeds and the other at NLS Starcross Lab, Exeter. As a Senior Assistant Scientist based in the Quality team, you will be required to support the Quality Technical Specialist and Quality Scientist with managing and maintaining compliance with all aspects of the National Laboratory Service’s (NLS) Quality Management system. This will include auditing, document control, training, routine quality control and continual improvement of methodologies and procedures. A significant aspect of the role will be the administration of the laboratory’s participation in external proficiency testing schemes, including ordering, registration of scheme samples, reporting the results and assessing the laboratory's performance. You will also be expected to join the laboratory audit team for which full training will be available. At times you may be expected to deputise for the Quality Scientist.
You'll support the Laboratory Quality Team in maintaining a comprehensive Quality Management System to ensure compliance with ISO17025. Your day to day activities will include working closely with the other quality team members, both at your base location and other NLS sites. You will also need to liaise with staff from all analytical sections of the Laboratory.
You'll demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance and quality control techniques used within a laboratory environment and have excellent interpersonal skills. You'll be expected to use effective planning to deliver outcomes to schedule. You'll also demonstrate good influencing skills upon others. You'll demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience in the use of Excel spread sheets and dealing with large data sets is essential.
Closing Date: 26th April 2019 at 23:55 hours

For further information about the role please contact Chris Mann (chris.mann@environment-agency.gov.uk 02030 257798) or Sarah Tancock (sarah.tancock@environment-agency.gov.uk 02030 250085). Interviews will take place in Birmingham in May.

26/04/2019, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience
Understands the application of ISO/IEC 17025 and is able to apply that knowledge in the management of analytical performance data.
Familiar with Chemistry and/or Microbiology analytical techniques and processes.
Experience of Excel essential.
Experience with LIMS systems would be advantageous.
Familiarity with internal audits in a laboratory environment would be beneficial.
Quality Procedures
Understanding of basic statistics desirable, with ability to learn and apply more complex statistical techniques
Ability to assist with Non-Conforming Work investigations.
Knowledge of proficiency testing schemes and confident in liaising with scheme providers to deliver the set up and reporting of these to predefined deadlines.
Builds and Sustains Relationships
Displays tact and diplomacy and builds rapport quickly, establishing needs and adapting own approach.
Communicates honestly, openly and effectively with colleagues and external partners alike
Confidence to communicate effectively with analysts across all teams and at all levels within the laboratory
Confidence to liaise with external proficiency scheme providers to ensure that the laboratory's requirements are met
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.