The salary band for this post is Band F, £30,369.00 to £32,463.00, starting salary will be on the base of the salary scale, £30,369.00.
We are looking for a Full-Time Assistant Scientist on a Fixed Term Contract until 26th September 2025.
Your passion has never had a greater purpose
Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.
That’s why, when you join us as an Assistant Scientist, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.
Work that goes beyond your desk
We work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As an Assistant Scientist for Chemistry, part of the Data, Evidence and Innovation portfolio, you will be working across all the Science laboratories and will be given opportunities to develop skills in Chemistry, Ecology and Microbiology techniques. This is a great opportunity ideally suited to recent graduates and those looking to gain more lab experience. There will be opportunities to work in all areas of science to develop skills and experience. You will join a diverse and energetic group of staff who are continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the modern environment protection agency.
The ideal candidate will have one year's experience of working in a laboratory or carrying out environmental monitoring and producing data which is accurate. They will be able to work both as part of a team and individually, demonstrating good organisational and time management skills. They will be able to demonstrate an ability to work flexibly across different disciplines and be adaptable to changing priorities and demands.
The main focus of the role will be to support environmental monitoring and analysis in our Microbiology and Chemistry Laboratories and the chance to be part of the Aberdeen team involved in analysing samples for bathing waters classification. The role includes:
1. Preparing and analysing environmental samples to assess water quality using a range of scientific analytical techniques. This involves using standard analytical methods and quality procedures and reporting results onto our Laboratory Information Management system.
2. Supporting the delivery of environmental monitoring which could include operational activities away from the base location. This will include collection of discreet samples in soil, waste, and water.
3. Following standard methods and quality procedures; supporting the quality system in line with ISO:17025; and carrying out thorough investigations on quality control failures with a view to implement continual improvements.
4. Maintaining, calibrating and troubleshooting analytical lab and field equipment and liaising with instrument suppliers when required.
5. Working in a team to ensure that the work within the function is delivered on time and to required quality.
6. Support other science functions as agreed with line management (currently Ecology & Microbiology).
Respect for your expertise
This is a highly important role within our Data, Evidence and Innovation portfolio. The post has been created to allow our Science team in Aberdeen to deliver Bathing Waters Classification which means you’ll need…
1. Essential: one year's experience of working in a laboratory or carrying out environmental monitoring, and producing data which is accurate.
2. Desirable: Experience of using Laboratory Information Management Systems.
3. Desirable: Experience of working in a quality assured environment and specifically working within an ISO 17025 accredited area would be advantageous.
4. Minimum HND or Equivalent in a relevant Science.
Support that goes beyond the workplace
We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:
1. Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities.
2. Up to 34 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata).
3. Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community.
4. Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
5. Progressive Family Friendly policies.
6. Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.
Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.
Passionately you. Purposefully supportive
SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.
Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career. Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best and make the biggest impact.
We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis and, therefore, we cannot accept CV’s and covering letters. Please ensure that you include all relevant information in your application form.
We proudly use the “Happy to Talk Flexible Working” as well as the “Disability Confident Employer” Logos and on all our job vacancies.
Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.
For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues we invite successful candidates to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a Basic Disclosure Scotland check.
If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process, please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at hr@sepa.org.uk.
Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace.
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