Toxins Chemist

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Toxins Chemist. The purpose of this role is to conduct chemical analyses, data reporting, and associated laboratory support duties on the marine biotoxin statutory monitoring programmes and to help develop the team’s expertise and capacity through participating in associated R&D activities in the area of analytical chemistry for food contaminants, particularly algal biotoxins.

This post will contribute to team delivery of key food safety work that supports public health protection and aquaculture sector sustainability.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

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Job description

Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Receipting and preparation of shellfish samples for testing, including shucking, box handling and dispatch.
• Extraction and analysis of shellfish for natural marine toxins.
• Shellfish extract clean-up using manual and automated solid phase extraction technologies.
• Daily operation of instrumental chemical detection tools to include quantitative high performance liquid chromatography, with various detectors.
• Major focus on the application of tandem mass spectrometry methods for lipophilic and hydrophilic marine toxins, plus cyanobacterial toxins.
• Assisting in trouble shooting of instrumentation problems, quality control and quality assurance issues.
• Assisting with investigations into performance issues and partaking in analytical research projects as requested.
• Supervision of placement students within the framework of ISO17025.
• All routine laboratory work conducted according to UKAS accredited procedures (ISO17025).
• Adherence to laboratory health, safety, and environment requirements.
• Assistance with general laboratory maintenance activities (accreditation, general housekeeping, calibration of equipment, preparation of reagents) as required
• Support to programme coordinators in data handling, collation and reporting.
• Flexible work, responding to needs of business unit, group and/or team as and when required.

In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. 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

Person Specification and Essential Criteria section

The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:

• Practical and/or theoretical experience with analytical chemistry.
• Experience with the use of chromatography techniques.
• Previous laboratory experience, preferably working in a chemical testing laboratory to strict quality controls.
• Ability to work to written methods and procedures.
• Flexibility, including working flexible hours with some early starts (07:30) and the ability to work well in a team.
• Good timekeeping and IT skills.
• High focus on precision and accuracy.
• Must have the ability to open and process bivalve shellfish.
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

****** NB As this job will involve the physical opening and processing of bivalve shellfish, it is not suitable for anyone with a shellfish allergy. The successful candidate will be expected to have and maintain up to date tetanus immunisation. Hepatitis A vaccination will be recommended.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• •Practical and/or theoretical experience with analytical chemistry.
• •Experience with the use of chromatography techniques.
• •Previous laboratory experience, preferably in a chemical testing laboratory to strict quality controls.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,744, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £8,616 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual 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 King'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 http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
• Skills and Personal Effectiveness Allowances (SPEA) to recognise the development of capability and enhanced responsibility that it is possible to build up over time spent working at a particular grade (minimum of two years). These are non-consolidated.
• Biannual Personal Performance Payments (non-consolidated) linked to individual performance.
• Spot Performance Payments (non-consolidated) linked to outstanding work delivered, outstanding results achieved or outstanding contribution.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Application Process

As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification and essential criteria section, and a maximum 250-word response