Chemical and Research Analyst

Summary

Job Description for Chemical and Research Analyst:

This is where your skills play a critical role in keeping everyone safe. Working in Safety, Security & Safeguards gives you the chance to make your mark on some hugely interesting projects. UKNNL does work that nobody else in the sector is doing, and this means we need experts like you to make it possible, whilst keeping everyone safe. We’re committed to using nuclear science to benefit society for years to come.

This means that you can build a long and successful career here whilst playing a meaningful role in delivering cleaner energy, reducing waste and keeping colleagues and the public out of harm’s way.

The Measurement and Analysis team at Sellafield have unique expertise, providing the key skills required to support the UK’s future nuclear programmes as well as playing an important role in several international collaborations. The team predominantly supports large scale technical programmes of work such as post‑irradiation examination (PIE) isotopic analysis.

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is seeking a post doctorate level chemist with experience in analytical chemistry to join this team. The individual should also enjoy laboratory working and be comfortable with developing their theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of nuclear science and technology. The role will provide resilience to the team across a number of process and analytical chemistry disciplines and support the delivery of R&D programmes to our customers.

Many of the challenges you will work on are unique and therefore most important is the curiosity to learn and the ability to apply your knowledge to practical scenarios. The role will provide you with the opportunity to be involved at the earliest stages of some of UKNNL’s highest‑profile programmes of work, allowing you to build up your knowledge and experience through practical exposure.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, safety case specialists and plant operators. We will look to you to understand problems and draw on your technical skills and knowledge to provide robust technical solutions. The successful candidate will work predominantly in controlled areas within UKNNL’s Central Laboratory, reaching out into other UKNNL facilities such as Windscale and Workington laboratories, with limited opportunities for home working.

Experience in radiochemistry or radio analytical chemistry is desirable but not essential, as all training will be provided but the ability to obtain SC clearance is essential.

• Work alongside project/programme managers and customers to ensure that work is delivered to time, cost, quality, and safety requirements.
• Analyse and troubleshoot equipment operability, technical queries and performance issues. Mentor junior staff to support their technical career development under the guidance of the Team Manager and Senior Technical Lead.
• Development and validation of technical methods within the team.
• Produce concise technical reports.
• Developing relationships through technical interactions with M&A customers (both internal and external) to develop and grow the capability.
• Assist in gaining and maintaining UKAS accreditation across the Measurement & Analysis analytical techniques at Central Laboratory.

• PhD (and BSc/MSc Chemistry). Experience in:
  • Analytical chemistry
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Radiochemistry
  • Separation Chemistry
• Excellent communication skills in order to communicate with the wider technical team, instrument suppliers and experts from other companies.
• Pragmatic and pro‑active approach in responding to technical and organisational challenges.
• Excellent and demonstrable appreciation of the need to balance R&D objectives with customer requirements and commercial opportunities.
• Evidence of defining and upholding exemplary standards in safety and quality.
• Ability to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).
• British…