Summary of the Role:
This important role supports our organization in delivery of its essential work programs. This role provides candidates with the opportunity to work in a diverse organization which invests in and celebrates its people. The laboratory analyst will primarily be responsible for undertaking analysis of environmental contaminants in seafood and other environmental matrices, contributing to monitoring programs and research initiatives. The data produced support assessments of progress towards national and international goals of clean seas and safe seafood.
The primary analytical techniques used may include Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS), Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS) and other chromatography and hyphenated mass-spectrometry techniques such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). This will also involve analytical method development and validation, and field sampling from time to time, for example, sampling from coastal areas and potentially participating in surveys on board research vessels.
Principal Tasks:
The candidate will be responsible for carrying out a range of duties consistent with the work described above. These may include the following tasks:
- Carry out high-quality chemical analysis of trace elements and other contaminants in marine samples (e.g. biota, sediment, seawater). The initial focus will be on metals testing but the analyst may also contribute to other environmental testing carried out by the team.
- Carry out analytical method development, optimizations and validations for the analysis of trace contaminants in relevant matrices.
- Troubleshoot analytical methods as required.
- Develop and implement ISO17025 procedures and best quality practices in the laboratory and field and contribute to all aspects of the Institute’s quality system as required, for example undertaking of internal audits.
- Quality assuring and uploading data to SQL databases and assist with data reporting.
- Contribute to data analysis and assist with preparation of technical reports and other technical outputs as required.
- Support monitoring and research programs and projects.
- Maintain calibrations of laboratory and field equipment and undertake other laboratory duties.
- Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with Health and Safety procedures and best laboratory practices are followed.
- Contribute to the efficient operation of the laboratories, including procurement, maintenance of consumable stocks and equipment and other administrative tasks as required.
- Organize and undertake fieldwork/sampling as may be required. This may involve participating on surveys on board research vessels.
- Liaise with customers and officials from other relevant organizations and as appropriate.
- Any other duties as appropriate and that may be required from time to time.
Essential Qualifications:
- A minimum of a third-level Certificate in a relevant scientific subject.
- Demonstrated relevant post qualification work experience, ideally to include chemical analysis of trace substances in environmental samples.
- Excellent working knowledge of modern analytical instrumentation, for example, ICPMS, CVAFS. GCMS, LCMS, and/or HPLC.
- Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the requirements of laboratory quality systems such as ISO17025 (or equivalent).
- High level of computer literacy including proficiency in the use of standard office software packages.
- Effective numerical and literacy skills.
- Willingness to complete both field-based and work at sea on board research vessels and be sufficiently fit to pass an ENG II/Seafarers medical and related training.
Desirable Qualifications:
- A degree, or post-graduate qualification, in analytical chemistry, marine science or equivalent.
- Three years of relevant laboratory analytical experience using modern instrumentation.
- Practical experience in chemical analysis of trace substances in environmental matrices, such as biota, sediment and/or water.
- Knowledge of marine/environmental science, biogeochemical processes and/or pollution issues.
- Significant experience in operating and maintaining modern analytical instrumentation such as ICPMS, spectroscopic and/or hyphenated chromatography- mass spectrometry.
- Highly skilled in troubleshooting complex analytical methods.
- Demonstrated experience in working in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory environment or similar quality system and track record in achieving /maintaining external accreditation for analytical methods.
- Experience of field-based sampling.
- Experience in evaluating and analyzing scientific data.
- Experience of preparation and contributions to technical reports and publications.
- Experience with data analysis software and/or laboratory software packages.
- A full driving license.
Salary range: €41,181 – €67,737 per annum
Application deadline: August 27, 2025
