Laboratory Technician

About the role

Hear from the Hiring Manager:

"We are looking for a diligent and enthusiastic individual to undertake the role of a Laboratory Technician at Chapelcross. This individual will be required to provide a chemistry and radio-chemistry analysis service to the Senior Chemist to support the Site’s Environmental Team for analysis of discharges to the environment and to the various decommissioning Projects to ensure compliance with the Sites permit and licences.

A Laboratory Technician must be able to carry out laboratory work and complete job packages assigned by the Senior Chemist. They must have a good attention to detail and a questioning attitude especially with the calculating and reporting of results.

This vacancy provides an excellent opportunity to be part of the decommissioning of Chapelcross site, now and into the future. We are looking for a candidate who is keen to learn and develop their skills to be part of the journey."

Key Deliverables:

On completion of the on-the-job training period, the role of a Laboratory Technician includes:

• Providing a chemistry and radio-chemistry analysis service to the Senior Chemist.
• Working with radioactive materials, including sealed and unsealed radioactive sources and in areas with elevated radiation dose rates and elevated levels of radioactive contamination.
• Ensuring all analysis are carried out as per Laboratory procedures, adhering to all the required safety documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality policies, procedures, work instructions and risk assessments.
• Accuracy in calculation, verification and recording of results.
• Highlighting abnormal results in a timely fashion.
• Function checking and calibration of laboratory equipment (Gamma Spec, liquid scintillator).
• Ensuring a high standard of laboratory housekeeping and safety at all times.
• Liaising with customers who deliver samples to the laboratories.
• Providing an input into and the writing of Laboratory procedures, risk and COSHH assessments.
• Carry out designated work packages to meet standards of safety, cost, quality and time.
• Provide advice and guidance on issues in their own working area.
• Where appropriate, assist in the training and development of others to appropriate standards.

Training and Authorisations:

• The successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant training and hold various authorisations in order to carry out the full scope of the role. Training, coaching, development and support will be provided in order to achieve this.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Appropriate technical qualification e.g. City and Guilds, BTEC, NVQ (NQF Level 2) or relevant experience (essential).
• Previous laboratory experience/ operational discipline with direct chemistry experience (gained in an academic or industrial setting).
• Awareness of the health & safety legislation which impacts on the responsibilities of the post.
• Experience of handling radioactive/hazardous material.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office particularly excel.

Benefits Package

• Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) staff should refer to the document titled “Spot Point v Grade alignment” available on SharePoint for more information on how the grade structure aligns to Spot Points.
• Flexible working – where possible.
• The equivalent of 25 days (185 hours per year) annual leave plus Public Holidays (59.2 hours per year). This increases by 2 days (14.8 hours per year) annual leave after two full calendar years of service (as at 5th January in the leave year) , and an additional 3 days (22.2 hours per year) annual leave after five full calendar years of service (as at 5th January in the leave year). You also have the option to buy or sell the equivalent of 5 days (37 hours) annual leave each year (available in specific windows for the following holiday year). For the purpose of assessing an employee’s annual leave entitlement, a day means seven and two fifths (7.4) hours. A pro rata entitlement will apply for part time workers.
• Flexible benefits scheme – including cycle to work and reduced gym membership fees.
• Participation in Company Bonus Scheme (up to £5,500 per annum based on corporate objectives).
• Employee Assistance Programme including 24-hour telephone support & personal assistance service and access to an online wellbeing App.
• Up to 13.5% employer pension contribution depending on individual contribution amount.
• Access to training and development through the company performance management arrangements, supporting you in maintaining your personal Continuous Professional Development.
• We have various different employee networks supporting our inclusion, diversity and wellbeing mission at Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS).

Additional Information

Please be aware this role holder requires security clearance, or the ability to obtain said clearance.

There is a requirement to live within a commutable distance to the sites where the role is based. For central/multi-site roles, we have various hubs across the UK and can be flexible with base location.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, included and able to perform at their best.

At Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), we are committed to creating a workplace that is diverse and inclusive, we therefore particularly welcome applications from Women, Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities, LGBT+ and candidates with a disability as they are all underrepresented in our workforce.

We are happy to talk flexible working where possible.