Environmental Chemist

Environmental Chemist (Analyst)

Short-term appoinment to 31 March 2012

Based in Lancaster

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the UK’s Centre of Excellence for research in the terrestrial and freshwater environmental sciences.

The chemists at our Lancaster site provide analytical expertise to support the environmental research community.  The analytical work arises mainly from within the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, either from internally or externally funded projects.  The majority of samples analysed are atmospheric filters, soil, vegetation, animal material or waters, each of which are analysed for up to 50 determinands.  Samples are generated by projects looking at the impacts of man on the environment within the Water, Biodiversity and Biogeochemistry programmes.  Examples of projects include determining the metal content in UK soils, and the long-term monitoring of a variety of parameters to study changes in the environment (Environmental Change Network).

Duties will include the preparation and deployment of precipitation collectors and other field equipment.  You will prepare sample collection equipment and process the returned samples ready for analysis.  You will have experience of sample management including booking samples and field data into a laboratory information management system (LIMS).

The duties will also involve determination of physical properties on samples such as pH, conductivity, moisture content and loss of ignition and the operation of automated techniques: alkalinity, ion chromatography, automated colorimetry, carbon and nitrogen analyser and an elemental analyser.

The post is essentially laboratory-based, although there may be opportunities to work in the other teams involved in radiochemical, organic or stable isotope analysis, or occasionally to visit experimental sites or to help with fieldwork.

Skills & Qualifications Required

A background in Environmental Chemistry, competence in chemical analysis and some relevant analytical experience is essential, and experience of working in a laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 will be beneficial.  Full training will be given in the quality system and laboratory safety. You will possess strong communication, team working and decision-making skills. Ideally you should be familiar with packages such as Excel, Word and Email. You will also need basic numeracy skills.

The salary for this post is £19,540 progressing to £23,150 per annum. In addition NERC offers a public sector pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and will encourage your continuing professional development as part of our career support.

Apply for this position through i-recruit, the RCUK Shared Services recruitment portal, searching forIRC28335.

Closing date for applications: 9 September 2011