Nutrients Technical Manager

Nutrients Technical Manager

£26,450 – £29,710 per annum

Open Ended post – Band 6

Based at Lancaster 

The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and is the UK's Centre of Excellence for integrated research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their interaction with the atmosphere. Working in partnership with the research community, policy makers, industry and society, CEH undertakes cutting edge research to deliver world class solutions to the most complex environmental challenges facing humankind.  CEH has an annual turnover of £35 million, and employs  staff  across four sites; the headquarters is at Wallingford with further sites at Bangor, Edinburgh and Lancaster. 

We are seeking an experienced chemical analyst with expertise in nutrient analysis of environmental samples (including water, soils and vegetation) to provide the technical lead for our nutrients laboratory, managing 3-4FTE analysts. The nutrients laboratory provides analytical expertise to support the environmental research community. The analytical work arises mainly from projects within the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and these projects are a mixture of NERC funded projects and other commercially won projects. 

Outline of Main Duties

The role requires a hands-on approach to undertake chemical analysis of samples but will also provide the technical lead for the nutrients team, both in terms of  UKAS technical manager ensuring compliance of analysis with UKAS accreditation, and in bringing skills and experience to trouble–shoot analytical problems with methods and instruments. This role is responsible for a range of analytical duties including preparation and analysis of samples for a wide range of nutrients, as well as method development, instruments troubleshooting and maintenance.

You must be able to set up and validate new methods and also support Project Leaders when they deciding on the analytical work.  You will need to advise/provide scientific input on the best methods and ensure timely delivery by the nutrients team of data across a portfolio of projects.

The successful applicant will also be expected to work with Project Leaders to develop, define and implement the analytical capability, automation, needed to support the science needs of CEH now and in the future. 

Skills & Qualifications Required 

• A PhD or equivalent in Environmental Chemistry, competence in chemical analysis and relevant analytical experience is essential.
•  Experience of working in a laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 will be beneficial.
• Proven track record in nutrients analysis, method development and validation in a wide range of matrices
• Understanding of the C,N and P cycles
• Instrument maintenance and troubleshooting
• Will possess strong communication, team working and decision making skills
• Has a proven experience of producing high quality data.
• Numerate and competent computer/IT skills
• Team management experience 

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/ and complete an online application.  Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003, Please quote reference number IRC93370. 

Closing Date:  31 May 2013

Interview Date:  25 July 2013