An opportunity exists for a Radiological Laboratory Technician in the Radiological and Chemical Sciences (RACS) Group for the Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). The work area comprises a diverse team of scientists who provide high quality analytical support, data interpretation and scientific advice to a comprehensive portfolio of internal and external contracts for UK and international customers.
The primary purpose of the role is to prepare a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial monitoring and research samples for use in a variety of radioanalytical analyses. We take pride in producing high quality work and the sample preparation is undertaken in accordance with our Quality Management System. As a Laboratory Technician, you will be involved in day-to-day laboratory operations working to best laboratory practice. Maintaining a strong health and safety culture is important, so a key part of the role is to undertake safe operations and contribute to continuous improvement.
This valuable role underpins our key radiological projects and programs including the radiological monitoring program for England and Wales, and research projects such as Blue Carbon.
Job description
Our main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Receiving aquatic and terrestrial samples from suppliers, and once the samples are received, you will identify species, receipt the samples, and enter the information on our Laboratory Information Management System database.
The preparation of aquatic and terrestrial samples including filleting, shucking, peeling, cooking, pasteurization, and evaporation. Additional preparation of samples in a dry matrix, will include grinding, milling, sieving, and ashing. You will prepare the samples to various geometries for spectrometric and radiochemical analysis.
Day to day laboratory duties include archiving samples, maintaining records and associated paperwork, entering data onto the Laboratory Information Management System, as well as ordering consumables and maintaining stock levels.
Maintaining sample integrity, preventing cross contamination are expected in day-to-day tasks, and you will work in accordance with our Quality Management System and accreditations (including ISO 17025), following the Standard Operating Procedures for the processes. You will work to the highest Health and Safety standards including rigorous adherence to relevant COSHH and Risk Assessments.
You will receive all relevant training required for this role.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Effective team working is essential to this role, as is the ability to work independently and use your own initiative.
- We need highly self-motivated and enthusiastic people with a positive attitude to learning new skills and to continuous improvement.
- You must have good verbal and written communication skills.
- It is essential that you are methodical, organized, have the ability to multitask whilst maintaining focus, have sound problem-solving skills, and excellent attention to detail.
- You will need to be flexible and possess the ability to organize your own workload to meet deadlines.
- It is essential that you are able to handle shellfish as it is a key part of the role.
Behaviors
We'll assess you against these behaviors during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Good IT skills are essential with experience of standard Microsoft applications such as Excel and Word.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £23,811, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £6,428 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Generous annual leave entitlement—Cefas offers 25 days' annul leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen's birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme—more information can be found on the CSP website Home - Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
