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Form of work
SalarySample Preparation Technician
BGS Inorganic Geochemistry Facility
Location: based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham
Grade: UKRI - Band B/S2
Salary: £25,596 per annum
Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 21st April 2024
Please note that internal UKRI applicants will currently be subject to the UKRI Pay & Reward Policy & Guidance to determine their starting salary
A great benefits package is offered!, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Sample Preparation Technician to join the BGS Inorganic Geochemistry Facility in Keyworth, Nottingham.
We are looking for a detail-focused person who is comfortable working in a physical role, for a full-time post in the BGS Sample Preparation laboratories. The successful candidate will contribute to a small, supportive team fulfilling a variety of commercial and science projects, within a documented quality assurance system, for which full training will be provided. Duties / responsibilities will include:
- Physical preparation of environmental/geological samples via specialist crushing and grinding equipment for onward chemical testing for a variety of commercial and science projects
- Preparation of reference materials for BGS and External clients
- Adhere to a documented Quality Management System to ensure consistency of product delivery through maintenance of administration records and a safe working environment
- Maintain the equipment used in the Sample Preparation labs, updating equipment service records as required
- Willingness to adapt to changing workflows and laboratory requirements within the Sample Preparation and chemistry laboratories of Inorganic Geochemistry and wider BGS Facilities
The role requires full-time attendance at the laboratories in Keyworth. In addition, there may be opportunities to drive a vehicle for pick-up/delivery of samples within the UK and in time, travel overseas.
About you
Candidates will have a minimum of GCSE Maths, English and Science or equivalent vocational qualification, and an awareness of Microsoft Office packages such as Word and Excel would be highly desirable.
This role would ideally suit an individual with experience of working to defined workflows, and who has the outlook to develop processes to meet specific sample needs.
You will be trained to undertake Sample Preparation of environmental samples using a range of specialist machinery and physical preparation techniques for onward chemical or mineralogical analyses.
You will need to have a degree of physical fitness as this role involves manual handling of samples and equipment which can weigh 20 Kg + (appropriate Health & Safety training will be provided).
Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.
Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.
About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.
How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.
A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
Please apply online, if you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 21st April 2024. Interviews are expected to be held in early May 2024 in Nottingham.
Skills Specification - Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ Stage
Qualifications
Essential
GCSE maths and English, and one science subject or equivalent vocational qualification (S)
Desirable
Full driving licence (S)
Experience
Essential
Experience of operating and maintaining machinery (S&I)
Degree of physical fitness as this role involves manual handling of samples and equipment which can weigh 20Kg + (appropriate Health & Safety training will be provided) (S&I)
Desirable
Experience of working in a laboratory environment and/or in preparation of environmental samples (S&I)
Familiarity with Microsoft Office packages e.g., Word and Excel (S&I)
Knowledge
Essential
Awareness of working in a safe environment and/or under a quality management system (S&I)
Desirable
Knowledge of sample tracking and audit trail processes (I)
Experience of recording information into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other product tracking software (I)
Skills and abilities
Essential
Good attention to detail and able to follow instructions precisely (S&I)
Demonstrate good team working skills (S&I)
Self-motivated and capable of working independently and proactively (I)
Desirable
Effective communication skills (presenting information clearly and coherently) - with team members and line manager (S&I)
Personal qualities
Essential
Ability to learn processes, and apply this learning consistently (S&I)
Desirable
Approachable, and demonstrates an enthusiasm for the work of BGS/UKRI and our core values of impact, impartiality, and knowledge (I)
You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences [I]
Motivation
Essential
Displays an enthusiasm for the role and a desire to develop themself further (S&I)
Desirable
Demonstrates curiosity and a drive to resolve problems (I)
