Job Description
The Role:
Undertake the analysis of materials used in consumer products inclusive of (but limited to) leathers, textiles, polymers, metal hardware, jewellery, etc., for a wide range of restricted substances at low concentrations, according to international test methods. This will involve using various solvent extraction and matrix clean-up procedures, to prepare the test samples, followed by their analysis using advanced analytical laboratory instrumentation.
Main Duties:
1. Preparing liquid extracts from the samples using standardised solvent extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up procedures.
2. Identifying and quantifying the specific restricted substances in the sample extracts using advanced analytical instrumentation such as, gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy and electron capture (GC-MS and GC-ECD), liquid chromatography (HPLC, LC-MS, LC-DAD), ion chromatography (IC), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and UV-visible spectrophotometry.
3. Processing the raw analytical data and maintaining analytical quality control charts.
4. Maintaining instrumentation and a clean and tidy laboratory.
5. Support the quality team within the laboratory functions, to maintain and add to the laboratory’s ISO 17025 accreditation including (but not limited) to: method validation, calibrations, controlled document reviews etc.
6. Support sample preparation as needed with the deconstruction of product into individual components as well as accurately weighing and labelling for traceability, to enable testing to commence.
7. Performing any other reasonable duties to assist the analytical testing team and the business.
Qualifications
What We Are Looking For:
8. Degree educated in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
9. Proven experience in inorganic chemistry and ICP-MS is desirable.
10. Practical experience in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical equipment including but not limited to: ICP-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, etc.
11. Accountability and responsibility.
12. Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with colleagues.
13. Positive can-do attitude with a sense of urgency, in a fast-paced environment reflecting the high sample volume of this market-leading commercial laboratory.
14. Good attention to detail.
15. Adherence to the highest quality standards of precision, accuracy, and record keeping for maintaining our UKAS accreditation for a wide range of methods.
16. Ability to use initiative, multi-task and plan work effectively to meet strict deadlines.
17. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office software and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
18. A flexible approach to working additional hours when required.
Additional Information
Benefits:Office based role - 37.5 hours - Monday to Friday, Competitive Salary, Life Assurance 4 x salary, Private Medical Insurance, Healthcash Care Plan, Income Protection, Group Pension Scheme (match contribution of up to 5 %), Option to buy up to 5 days holiday a year, Perkbox (access to discounts), Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential support, World-wide career opportunities.