Ocean Career: Biogeochemistry Research Technician at SAMS
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. SAMS is working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.
The biogeochemistry research technician will support SAMS research and enterprise projects by applying analytical techniques to provide high quality analysis of water samples for inorganic nutrients, CN analysis and dissolved oxygen. The research technician will prepare marine sediment and biological material for a range of elemental analyses such as GC, ICPMS and HPLC and provide data outputs to SAMS research community, together with a synthesis of the analytical integrity of its quality. Management of the main analytical laboratory area, upkeep, performance and management of analytical instrumentation will also be expected while also supporting SAMS education activities.
Main Responsibilities:
* Apply specialised technical knowledge and experience to operate analytical instrumentation to meet deliverables for both research and commercial projects.
* Provide data through use of instrumentation and analytical techniques, ensuring quality assurance and delivery within timescales agreed with funding bodies or commercial department.
* Method development relating to the analytical techniques and instrumentation to meet the requirements of SAMS future needs.
* Maintain instruments in own area of work, resolve instrument breakdowns, purchase of parts/consumables.
* Liaising with SAMS Quality Manager to ensure that analytical instruments, methods and generated data are appropriate for required Quality Standards.
* Support SAMS Education activities by providing tutorials, training and supervision to SAMS UG/PG community.
* Lab Management duties - responsible for H&S, inductions, training on analytical equipment and support whilst utilising the facility.
* Be pro-active in the application of SAMS Health and Safety Procedures.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience needed for the Job:
* Degree in an environmental, chemical or geological science, and familiarity with instrumentation and analytical techniques specific to the role, with a relevant formal qualification and laboratory experience.
* Minimum of 3 years of analytical experience in an environmental and preferably an aquatic science discipline is essential. Experience of SFA or FIA nutrient analysis, together with CN and/or automated titration analyses is highly desirable.
* Experience and knowledge of other chemical analyses such as HPLC, GC, ISE’s, Particle size laser diffraction, as well as environmental sample digestion and leaching techniques are desirable.
* Some laboratory management, experience of supervising/training students and demonstrating analytical techniques is desirable.
* Experience of working under an accredited Quality Management System in a commercial environment is desirable, along with associated training in the management of quality control systems to ensure data meets the standards required by accreditation bodies.
* Capable of method development to increase scope of testing where required.
* Ability to process and assess data for quality control prior to delivery of results and final reports. Must be familiar with spreadsheet and report generation software such as Microsoft Excel and Word and comfortable with their use to provide statistically analysed data for both research and commercial deliverables.
The position is full time, permanent and based on-site near Oban. The post sits in our Technical & Experimental job family at Grade 4/5 and the salary ranges for each grade are Grade 4 - £23,754 to £26,715 and Grade 5 - £28,331 to £31,866 per annum. The responsibilities of the post will be adjusted based on the grading of the appointed candidate.
Closing date for applications is 23rd August 2021. Interviews will be held in September 2021.
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