Scientist, Research Scientist, Environmental Compliance

If you’re an analytical scientist with a passion for the natural environment this is an exciting opportunity for you. We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced scientist to come join us in our Monitoring Laboratory based in Leeds. You’ll be responsible for supervising a small team carrying out metals analysis of environmental samples.

We really do value a diverse workforce. We want to be an organisation that represents modern Britain and all the communities we serve. We want everybody to feel included, fairly treated and duly recognised for the contribution they make.

• Work as part of a team, motivate and develop staff to provide a world class service.
• Act as a technical lead within your department, responsible for improving existing methods and developing new ones when required.
• Use your knowledge and problem‑solving skills to identify root causes and to rectify technical issues.
• Provide the delivery of specific technical/scientific activities in line with defined plans whilst ensuring work is consistently delivered to required standards and service levels.
• Promote health, safety and wellbeing ensuring the provision of safe working practices in line with Environment Agency guidance.

You’ll be working within a small team alongside approximately 50 other Analytical staff and 12 Customer Services colleagues. We provide analytical services to the Environment Agency and external customers which includes the analysis of sediments, soils, biota and waters from across England and around the coastline, as well as offering a bespoke Forensic Waste Service.

If you’d like to know a bit more about our work please take a look at our websites

• Work in an analytical laboratory with an in-depth knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation, preferably in the field of environmental analysis.
• Experience of developing methods on ICP-MS and ISP-OES.
• Supervision of a technical or scientific team, including the development and training of others.
• Excellent communication skills are essential with the ability to convey complex information.
• Ability to problem‑solve and work within tight timescales and to strict quality criteria.
• Experience/knowledge of the Environment Agency’s chemical and physical analysis programme would be an advantage.
• Experience of working within a quality standard or within a UKAS accredited laboratory is desirable.
• Ideally you will be educated to at least degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject.