Analytical Scientist

Team / Directorate: Inorganics - NRWAS / Evidence, Policy and Permitting

Starting salary:  £32,544 rising to £35,377 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (pro rata for part time applicants)

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment until 31 March 2026 (with the possibility of an extension of an additional 2 years)

Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)

Interview date: To be confirmed

Post number: 202703

The role

The scientist will carry out routine analysis of aqueous samples for Inorganic and Metal analysis such as BODs, Suspended Solids, Particle Size and ICPOES. We are looking for an entry level scientist who will report to supervisors within the team and the team leader. 

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Michelle Cheshire   michelle.cheshire@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date. 

 

About us

The role sits within the Natural Resources Wales Analytical Services, based in the Inorganic/Metals team within the laboratory. The laboratory analyses aqueous, sediment and biota samples for routine monitoring and incident response. The role will take part in an incident response rota and analyse pollution samples for investigation.

 

What you will do

• Work within an analytical section as part of a team to ensure that all samples are analysed on time and to the prescribed standards.
• Routine analysis and preparation of samples. This will involve various processes and techniques including automated analysers and manual meter reading. Management and upkeep of documentation.    
• B aware of the characteristics required to be part of a successful team in a high-pressure environment. These include self-motivation, discipline and a willingness to help your colleagues.   
• Have a thorough understanding the laboratory’s quality management system and how that affects every aspect of the analytical process. 
• Be aware of and comply with the laboratory’s health and safety policies.
• Participate in duty rotas and respond to call out to ensure the Laboratory’s pollution response service is maintained.
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

1. Previous experience in an ISO:17025 accredited analytical laboratory is desirable but not essential as full training will be given. Some previous lab experience is essential.
2. A clear understanding and experience of laboratory quality systems.
3. A clear understanding and experience of laboratory Health and Safety policies.
4. Experience and knowledge is more important than qualifications for this role, so entry level can be with science GCSEs although graduate entry is the norm.
5. The ability to work as part of a team to tight deadlines ensuring all results are accurately and efficiently reported daily. 

Welsh language level requirements

• Essential: Lefel A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh)

Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Benefits 

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
• generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
• commitment to professional development
• health and wellbeing benefits and support
• weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose

See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.

Please keep reading

If you think you have what it takes to do this role, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch and we will be happy to discuss the role with you in more detail.

We’re passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of disability, neurodivergence, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, gender expression and gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, culture, or religion.   We put the principles of human rights, equality, fairness, dignity and respect at the heart of our values.

We are committed to equal opportunities and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.

We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.  

We are a Bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards.  Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills. 

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