Analytical Chemist
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 4th June 2024
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About the job
Job summary
An exciting opportunity exists for two Analytical Chemists with experience to join the Hydrocarbons Team within the Radiological and Chemical Sciences (RACS) Group. Our work area comprises a diverse group of scientists and technicians who provide high quality analytical support and expertise, data interpretation and scientific advice to a comprehensive portfolio of internal and external projects for UK and international partners.
In this role you will utilise your experience and expertise in analytical sciences and techniques to analyse an array of hydrocarbon compounds, including measuring their concentrations in marine environmental samples. You will be expected to contribute to the meeting of project delivery deadlines and to ensure that our laboratories operate to consistently high levels of Quality standards (ISO/IEC17025; UKAS accreditation).
We are a dynamic team delivering on an exciting portfolio of high-impact science and work which we continue to develop and grow including areas of Research and Development (R&D). We are seeking two analytical chemists who are passionate about their work and are dedicated, committed scientists looking for a long-term career path. There will be opportunities to develop and grow with the roles and to contribute to impactful and interesting science as part of an inclusive and friendly team.
The data you produce will be related to the measurements of contaminants in the marine environment, as part of Cefas’ vision of providing science and evidence that governments need to create clean, healthy, sustainable seas as part of a blue future.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
Based at our Lowestoft site, most of your time will be spent working in a laboratory environment, in regular communication with the Hydrocarbons Technical Manger and Principal Scientist. The main duties and responsibilities of this post include:
- Analysis and reporting of samples for hydrocarbon compounds in the marine environment
- Laboratory housekeeping and management
- Calibration of instruments and maintaining records
- Co-ordinating project delivery and sample preparation
- Operation and maintenance of complex instrumentation (Spectrofluorimeter, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detector)
- Troubleshooting and problem solving
- Delivery of quality assured data
- Working in accordance with formal quality systems (ISO/IEC17025, UKAS accreditation) and helping to maintain standards of accreditation.
- Innovating and developing new methods and improvements
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- You must have practical experience of working in an analytical laboratory with technical skills in various laboratory practices, instrument operation and maintenance, and knowledge of quality control practices and associated documentation relevant to ISO/IEC17025.
- You must be proactive with a curious mind, able to troubleshoot and with a determination towards solving analytical problems and developing new techniques and approaches. You will possess a passion for driving change and improving efficiencies as well as a solid analytical understanding to help improve our science and delivery.
- Additionally, you must be a team player whilst also having the ability to work independently and using your own initiative. You must be a positive, enthusiastic, motivated person with excellent organisational skills and a sharp attention to detail to enable delivery of our world-leading, high-quality science. You will be responsible for laboratory management and be open to developing leadership skills.
- You must also show an awareness of good health and safety culture.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Working experience in a variety of laboratory techniques and be able to accurately and consistently follow standard operating procedures.
- Be able to demonstrate a good understanding of analytical quality control and required documentation and practices.
- Working experience in operating and basic troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation including basic maintenance and repair.
- Be able to demonstrate situations where they have identified and then investigated analytical problems and the steps taken in that investigation.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum of 750-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a maximum of 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Delivering at Pace.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Delivering at Pace.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Delivering at Pace. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the advertised behaviours, technical skills, your experience (as stated in the person specification section) and strengths. You may also be asked to prepare a presentation or undertake an exercise. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation to interview.
Please be aware that at this time, interviews will be held in-person at the Lowestoft Laboratory.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour – Delivering at Pace, will be used by the panel.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Lowestoft.
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cally Wiles or Alec Wilson
- Email : rescourcing@cefas.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
