Laboratory Senior Scientist - Inorganic Chemistry - Wastewater

Work collaboratively with Line Manager, team and with wider STS and UE stakeholders

Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards.

Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.

Responsible for participation and performance in proficiency testing (PT) Schemes in their area.

Participate in and supervise the development, verification, and validation of new and existing methodologies for the analysis of wastewaters and related samples in UÉ.

Provide visible leadership for your team, coaching and developing them to achieve their full potential and deliver business objectives, promoting collaboration and highlighting the behaviours that are expected from everyone in the team.

Manage stock control levels and timely ordering in their area, to ensure sufficient resources in place to meet testing requirements. Perform supplier reviews as required.

Responsible for carrying out any other duties which the Technical Manager may reasonably request.

Responsible for the analysis of waste samples for chemical analyses in their area.

Responsible for establishing and maintaining positive, professional working relationships with the Laboratory team and supporting UÉ HR policies and initiatives.

Collaboration with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business

Assist with management of a laboratory unit and delivery of a high-quality service to UÉ and its customers, with processes complying with the requirements of the EPA, INAB, ISO17025 standards, regulatory requirements, and the management system.

Responsible for deputising for the Technical Manager in their area in their absence, when required.

The Scientific Services functional area is responsible for the national provision of operational support services to include sampling and laboratory analytics, ensuring that activities are performed in accordance with regulatory obligations to protect public health and the environment. The Laboratory sub area is responsible for providing chemical and microbiological analytical services in support of the regulatory sampling programs, operational monitoring. capital investment and customer complaint. The teams are required to work weekly work patterns including covering ‘skeleton staff’ schedule at weekends, as required.

The Environmental Regulation function is responsible for the day-to-day management of environmental regulation and compliance. The function monitors the compliance of the water and wastewater network and treatment works, influences external environmental policy and manages environmental stakeholder relationships. Environmental Regulation provides expertise to the Uisce Éireann business on influencing environmental policy and managing stakeholders around environmental regulation affecting Uisce Éireann’s practices. The function provides regulatory expertise to the business, including the Senior Leadership Team, in all aspects of environmental regulation. The team provides support on legislative and regulatory changes that will affect Uisce Éireann policies in the future.

Reporting directly to the Technical Manager in their area, the Laboratory Senior Scientist – Inorganic Chemistry - Wastewater is responsible for assisting with delivering a quality service to Uisce Éireann and its customers, complying with the requirements of the Quality management system and ISO17025 standard; this will be done by assisting with managing team performance and the efficient and effective use of resources. They will provide technical advice to the team of scientists and technologists in their area, to overcome technical issues and blockers. They will also participate in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, carrying out sample preparation, analysis and reporting duties for Wastewater Samples for Uisce Éireann (UÉ) as required.

Timely reporting, review, and authorisation of laboratory test results (including statements of conformity where applicable) in their department, in compliance with the Quality System, ISO17025 and regulatory requirements.

Monitor and report KPIs for processes as assigned.

Participate in the weekend and public holiday roster within the Chemistry laboratories when required, per approved rotas.

Undertake and/or participate in risk assessments (H&S and operational), nonconforming work investigations and internal audits in their area, according to ISO17025, UÉ and QMS requirements, as required.

Provide technical direction, support, and advice in relation to particular area of analytical expertise- Inorganic Chemistry (Waste Water).

Drive cost efficiency and quality, challenging and developing solutions for improvements to existing practices and adopting industry best practice.

Manage the calibration, maintenance and checking of equipment ensuring the equipment is fit for purpose in compliance with ISO 17025. Responsible for Trouble shooting equipment, as required.

Manage the analysis and preparation of Wastewater Samples in their area.

Preparation of standards and quality controls and monitoring of performance (for example, control charts, calibration curves) in their area, as required.

Maximise the effectiveness of the Laboratory team in their area and develop and grow the skills of all team members through the provision of coaching, training, and performance management.

Experience of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Validation experience advantageous.

Able to work to deadlines and adapt to changing conditions and ambiguity, generating effective and pragmatic solutions to new situations and problems as they are presented.

Third Level qualification in a Science discipline relevant to their area of expertise

Demonstrate knowledge of current analytical best practices and procedures within their area of expertise: Inorganic Chemistry (Wastewater). For example (but not limited to): pH, BOD, Suspended Solids, UV/VIS, IC, TOC, COD.

Knowledge of ISO17025 accreditation process and requirements.

Minimum of 5 years relevant experience within their area of expertise, preferably in an ISO17025 testing laboratory or similar: Inorganic Chemistry (Wastewater).

Experience of supporting policies, systems and controls and driving the implementation of progressive policies.

Demonstrated people management experience, with strong change management and conflict resolution skills to create a collaborative working environment with internal and external stakeholders.

Proven track record of dealing with complex issues proactively and in a timely fashion, along with the ability to communicate complex information to others.

History of successfully challenging current processes and encourage creative thinking to aim for and achieve standards

Ability to be a strong advocate for safety and wellbeing practices and ensure these are constantly being followed within your team.

Experience of monitoring adherence to policies and controls and leading teams to work to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Experience of managing end-to end processes and providing coaching in the development of the technical skills and competencies of their team to ensure delivery meets customer expectation.

The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the role holder will be required to participate in standard hours working rosters to cover Laboratory operational hours of 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. There is also a service commitment to providing laboratory cover on weekends and Public Holidays. When required to perform weekend/public holiday work this will be infrequent as part of a defined rota and in addition to the standard working week. Rostered work performed outside 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday will be remunerated as a roster participation allowance.