Id Job: 3172314
Contents
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
About the job
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.
We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet. And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit forestresearch.gov.uk.
The job is located within the Physical Environment Research Group, which undertakes research to improve understanding of the interactions between forestry and the physical environment. Our work includes a range of studies to measure, model and map the impacts of forests, woodlands and their management on soil and water resources, including interactions with environmental change. The results help to guide forestry policy and management practices to secure the soil and water services that underpin the multiple benefits provided by forests.
Our research relies on a high-quality chemical laboratory service located within the Research Group at Alice Holt Lodge in Surrey. The laboratory is staffed by a small team, comprising a laboratory manager, two analysts and one full time plus two part-time laboratory assistants. We are seeking an additional laboratory assistant to further grow the team to assist with preparing a range of samples for chemical analysis from new research studies. Due to a peak in workload, we are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.
The chemical laboratory provides a comprehensive range of standard and specialist tests for inorganic analysis. We handle samples from plants, trees, soil and water following strict quality assurance protocols. Our laboratory is among the top performing chemical analysis facilities across Europe, regularly ranking within the top five in EU-wide inter-laboratory comparison testing. Please refer to Chemical Analysis and Laboratory - Forest Research for more information about our work.
Purpose of the job:
A full-time laboratory assistant is needed to help with processing environmental samples for analysis in the chemical laboratory at Alice Holt. Work will primarily involve sorting and processing foliar and root samples in the laboratory, and preparing soil samples for chemical analysis.
Key Work Areas:
i. Receiving, transferring, and processing environmental samples, including sorting, sieving, grinding, milling, crushing, weighing and drying
ii General laboratory duties, including keeping worktops tidy and washing sample bottles and containers
Responsibilities:
We are looking for someone who can follow detailed instructions in accordance with established procedures. Accuracy and tidiness are important in carrying out routine and repetitive tasks. You should be a good team player.
Essential Criteria
5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including science, maths and English
Desirable Criteria
Some experience of working in a chemical laboratory
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Benefits
Your career
Your work/life balance
Your wellbeing
Your benefits
Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Things you need to know
Sift Date: 6 June 2023
Interview Date: 15 June 2023
We will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Behaviour - Working Together. However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all behaviours at the interview stage.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
Apply and further information
Job contact :
Recruitment team
