Salary - £30,68 to £32,563 Hybrid working but mainly on site Fixed term contract - 12-18 months Closing date for applications, 10th February. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early. UKCEH is looking for an experienced Microplastic Pollution Laboratory Assistant to join our team of talented individuals, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges. Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years. As a valued member of our team, you’ll get: 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure 10% employer pension contribution Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements) 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers Flexible working opportunities And much more This is an exciting opportunity to join our internationally recognised Ecotoxicology and Chemical Risk team to assist in the operation of our microplastics analytical facility. The role will support the delivery of projects that investigate the presence of microplastics in the environment and to understand their sources and possible effects. The role will be to deliver the preparation and processing of environmental samples as well as performing spectroscopic analysis. Across the wider team, there will be opportunities to be involved in assisting other experimental work such as bioassays and fieldwork. We are looking for someone who is motivated, has an interest in the natural environment and is eager to learn more about microplastic pollution and its effect on the natural world. In your role, you will be trained in microplastic detection and analysis in the environment as well as other laboratory methods and field work skills. You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Your main responsibilities will include: Sample management, from coordination with field site managers, collection and transport to the laboratory, storage arrangements, sample processing, clean-up and data acquisition. Running microplastic sample analysis workflows (drying, weighing, wet sieving, vacuum filtration, chemical extractions) for a wide range of environmental samples. Spectroscopic analysis including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) microscopy for the detection of microplastics in environmental samples. Data manipulation and curation to share at internal team meetings and for preparation of customer/funder reports and scientific papers. Routine lab measurements such as pH, water holding capacity of soils, acidification procedures, sample handling and preservation etc. Participating in fieldwork for sample collection. Managing laboratory spaces including equipment maintenance, stock control and purchasing of equipment and chemicals for the laboratory. Assist in running experiments into the effects of legacy and emerging chemical threats such as microplastics, nanomaterials, metals and pesticides on species and ecosystems. Active team member in coordinating and delivering multiple projects, primarily in the theme of microplastics, to research funders and commercial customers. For the role of Microplastic Pollution Laboratory Assistant we’re looking for somebody who has: A-level or degree in science (dependent on the level of relevant laboratory experience). Experience of working in a laboratory and/or technical production environment. Capacity to work to agreed methods to generate quantitative results. Inclination to work with technical instrumentation. Ability to work flexibly as part of a team. Good time management. Confident to use computer systems for data recording and manipulation and to produce clear and concise written material. We would be delighted if you also had the following skills/experience: An interest in understanding the impact of pollution on the natural world. Scientific laboratory experience during study or work. A-level qualification in mathematics or physics and biology. Driving license is preferable as fieldwork is expected as part of the role. Can talk about their work to non-specialists Can occasionally travel to study sites in the UK and internationally If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now. To apply, please send us your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which highlights any relevant skills and experience, together with what excites you most about the role and working for UKCEH.