Higher Analytical Chemist

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Job description

NPL is recruiting highly motivated scientists or engineers to support the growing hydrogen team within the Gas Metrology group at NPL Teddington (South West London).The Hydrogen team within NPL's Gas Metrology Group carry out world-leading measurement science research, disseminates best practice and delivers traceability and calibration of gas measurements to support decarbonisation of energy across heat, industry and transport through the use of hydrogen. The group provides this range of scientific services to a wide variety of stakeholders including industry, regulators, government and international research communities.We are rapidly expanding our hydrogen team and are looking to hire a Higher Analytical Chemist. The role will be laboratory based and involve managing a small team of scientists that perform hydrogen purity testing using gas analysis methods including gas chromatography and spectroscopy, as well as ensuring maintenance of our equipment and performing quality control. It will require effective work planning and communication with customers to meet tight deadlines and quick turnaround times. This work will directly support industry worldwide with assuring gas quality at hydrogen refuelling stations provided to transport (passenger to heavy goods vehicles) as part of commercial contracts or grant-funded research.You must be able to work independently and as part of a team to achieve goals set by senior scientists. Great communication skills and an enthusiasm for science are essential and you will be challenged to think for yourself. You can expect opportunities to solve real-world science and engineering problems in the laboratory. Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours. These are lab-based positions, at our laboratories in Teddington and you will be expected to work mainly on-site. The following criteria apply to the Higher Research Scientist positions we are advertising:EssentialThe following are required to successfully deliver the role:A relevant science or engineering degreeExtensive experience using gas analytical methods in a laboratory (such as GC-FID, GC-PDHID, GC-SCD, TD-GC-MS, SIFT-MS and FTIR) including equipment maintenance and quality controlStrong analytical skillsDemonstratable experience of organising work to meet tight deadlinesExperience of developing risk assessment forms and assessing health and safety in a laboratory environmentAbility to work with a diverse team (including non-scientists) to identify new business opportunitiesWorking under ISO 17025 accreditationExperience with developing bespoke and novel solutions based on customer requirementsDesirablePrevious work with hydrogenExperience of managing a small teamExperience of producing or using calibration / reference materialsExperience of a customer-facing role; ability to closely work with customers to identify and provide solutions for their specific needsPrior experience of working on an industrial siteWorking with gasesExperience with ISO 17034 and ISO 17043Experience with ATEX environmentsPlease note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.NPL and BEIS have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and BAME candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.We're transforming. As a national laboratory, we're exploring even more commercial routes to market and that's presenting us with greater opportunity - for you and us. Our success relies on the diversity and talent of our people, we strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued and supported to excel in their chosen field. This value is at the core of our organisation.We believe in a culture of fairness by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, background or any other factor irrelevant to a person's work. At NPL we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. NPL's values are at the heart of what we do and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we signed up to the Institute of Physics' Project Juno in 2015 as a Juno Supporter. NPL were proud to be awarded Juno Practitioner status in 2018. NPL also joined Stonewall as a Diversity champion in 2015, participating in their annual Workplace Equality Index for the equality of LGBT+ community at NPL. In 2018, NPL became a member of the Business Disability Forum and joined the disability confident scheme as level 1 committed employer.To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we're always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.