Eolaí Sinsearach Saotharlainne - Ceimic Neamhorgánach- Uisce Óil / Laboratory Senior Scientist ...

The Role:

The Scientific and Technical 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.

Reporting directly to the Technical Manager - Inorganic Chemistry - Drinking Water, the Laboratory Senior Scientist - Inorganic Chemistry - Drinking Water is responsible for assisting with delivering a quality service to Uisce Éireann and its customers, complying with the quality management system and ISO17025 standard. This will be done by managing team performance and the efficient use of resources. The role provides technical advice to the team of scientists and technologists, participates in day to day laboratory operations, and carries out sample preparation, analysis and reporting duties for Water and Wastewater Samples as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with management of a laboratory unit and delivery of a high quality service to UÉ and its customers, with processes complying with EPA, INAB, ISO17025 standards, regulatory requirements and the management system.
• Provide technical direction, support, and advice in relation to particular area of analytical expertise - Inorganic Chemistry.
• Manage the analysis and preparation of Water Samples in the area.
• Participate in the weekend and public holiday roster within the Chemistry laboratories when required, per approved rotas.
• Responsible for analysis of samples for chemical analyses in the area.
• Participate in and supervise the development, verification, and validation of new and existing methodologies for the analysis of waters, wastewaters and related samples in UÉ.
• Responsible for participation and performance in proficiency testing (PT) schemes in the area.
• Drive cost efficiency and quality, challenging and developing solutions for improvements to existing practices and adopting industry best practice.
• Maximise effectiveness of the Laboratory team and develop skills of all team members through coaching, training and performance management.
• Timely reporting, review and authorisation of laboratory test results (including statements of conformity where applicable) in the department, in compliance with the Quality System, ISO17025 and regulatory requirements.
• Undertake and participate in risk assessments (H&S and operational) in the area, according to ISO17025, UÉ and QMS requirements, as required.
• Undertake and participate in internal audits according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.
• Undertake and participate in non conforming work investigations according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.
• Manage stock control levels and timely ordering in the area, to ensure sufficient resources; perform supplier reviews as required.
• Manage calibration, maintenance and checking of equipment ensuring fit for purpose in compliance with ISO17025. Responsible for troubleshooting equipment as required.
• Prepare standards and quality controls and monitor performance (e.g., control charts, calibration curves) in the area, as required.
• Establish and maintain positive professional working relationships with the Laboratory team and support UÉ HR policies and initiatives.
• Monitor and report KPIs for processes as assigned.
• Responsible for deputising for the Technical Manager in absence, when required.
• Carrying out any other duties reasonably requested by the Technical Manager.
• Adhere to all HSQE plans, policies and procedures.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaboration with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business.
• Promote and deliver health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain; reinforce positive behaviours and deliver H&S objectives and requirements to highest industry standards.
• Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation wide objectives.
• Conduct duties and responsibilities in accordance with Uisce Éireann's Information Security policies, standards, processes and controls to protect confidentiality, integrity and availability of UÉ business information and delivery of critical services in accordance with the NIS Directive and other cybersecurity regulation.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Third level qualification in a science discipline relevant to the area of expertise.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience within the area of expertise, preferably in an ISO17025 testing laboratory or similar Inorganic Chemistry (Drinking Water).
• Knowledge of current analytical best practices and procedures within Inorganic Chemistry (Drinking Water), e.g., pH, UV/VIS, IC, TOC, discrete analyser, turbidity, segmented flow analyser, colour, robotic analyser.
• Knowledge of ISO17025 accreditation process and requirements.
• Experience of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience managing people, strong change management and conflict resolution skills to create a collaborative working environment with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing end to end processes and coaching for technical skills development to ensure delivery meets customer expectation.
• Experience monitoring adherence to policies and controls and leading teams to the highest ethical and professional standards.
• History of successfully challenging current processes and encouraging creative thinking to achieve standards.
• Ability to work to deadlines and adapt to changing conditions with effective pragmatic solutions.
• Proven track record of dealing with complex issues proactively and in timeliness, and the ability to communicate complex information.
• Support policies, systems and controls and drive progressive implementation.
• Advocacy for safety and wellbeing practices and ensuring constant follow up within the team.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 22/05/:59 PM.

Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.

Equal opportunities employer - The Irish civil service and Uisce Éireann commits to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants regardless of gender, age, race, religion, family status, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic.