Scientific Officer (Wastewater Chemistry)

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Scientific Officer (Wastewater Chemistry) - L/Derry Northern Ireland Water are consistently ranked in the top 10 of Northern Ireland’s best 100 companies. NI Water delivers approximately 575 million litres of clean, safe drinking water to 875,000 households and businesses across Northern Ireland every day. They pride themselves on providing a world class service, delivering what matters to customers through their values of Respect, Excellence, Customer, Integrity and Sustainability that defines their organisation. The role:

• Job title: Scientific Officer (Wastewater Chemistry)
• Location: Gelvin Grange, L/Derry
• Length of assignment: Full time, temporary until 31st March 2025, with possibility of extension
• 37 hours per week
• Parking facilities on site
  
• Salary: £Competitive

About the Role:

NI Water Analytical Services is responsible for the collection and analysis of water, wastewater, trade effluent, sludge and soils. The work covers a wide range of determinants and includes trace metals, organics, general pollution indicators nutrients and microbiology. Both NI Water laboratories hold accreditation to ISO 17025. The post holder will be responsible for carrying out chemical analysis of water matrices.

• Maintain a clean and organized lab, ensuring efficient use of equipment and resources.
• Utilise LIMS, Power BI, and other tools for workload planning and forecasting.
• Manage stock levels of chemicals and consumables, handling purchase orders and deliveries.
• Coordinate lab equipment servicing and maintenance to meet ISO17025 standards.

• Provide clear, evidence-based updates to internal and external customers.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including UKAS auditors.
• Represent Analytical Services at meetings and facilitate lab visits.
• Supervise students/visitors and participate in STEM outreach programs.

• Develop expertise in analytical chemistry, including advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and ICP-OES.
• Deliver accurate results within deadlines to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain precise records for audits and quality standards.

• Manage daily lab expenditures and OPEX budgets efficiently.
• Ensure value for money in purchases and comply with financial regulations.

• Follow all health and safety protocols, including COSHH requirements.
• Identify and address risk assessment needs for new processes.
• Report incidents through NI Water’s Health & Safety portal.

• A third level qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) in Science/Chemistry/Environmental Science
• At least 1 years’ practical analytical chemistry experience, within a laboratory operating a Quality Management system.
• Knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques in Chemistry.
• Knowledge and understanding of ISO 17025.
• Experience and knowledge of Health and Safety requirements relevant to laboratories.
• Membership of (or be prepared to achieve membership) of a relevant professional body
• Demonstrable experience of proficiency in using Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).