Assistant Scientist

Assistant Scientist

Number of jobs available

2

Region

South West

City/Town

Exeter

Building/Site

DEFRA GRP EXETER STARCROSS, EX6 8PE

Grade

Staff Grade 2

Post Type

Permanent

Role Type

Science

Working Pattern

Full Time

Salary Minimum

£25,301

Closing Date:

23/11/2025, 23:55 hours

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Candidate pack

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Security checks level

Basic Check

Job description

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment.

We're looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual to join us as an Assistant Scientist in the Metals analysis/QS (Quality Solutions) team at our Monitoring Laboratory based in Starcross. Working with other Assistant Scientists, you will be supporting the section in the day to day running of the laboratory so that key analytical targets are achieved and ensure compliance to our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

You will be required to carry out laboratory tasks including:-

• Working in the Metals analytical area preparing environmental samples for analysis.

• Routine sample analysis to defined time, cost and quality targets. Using analytical techniques to analyse environmental samples for Metals analytes (ICPOES, ICPMS and CVAF). Methods are accredited to ISO17025.

• Working within the Quality Solutions area, preparing analytical quality control solutions.

• Carry out calibration and checks of laboratory subsidiary equipment.

Excellent team working skills, good attention to detail and a willingness to learn and develop are essential for the role. You will be required to demonstrate that you are able to prioritise and plan your work and comply with Health and Safety, laboratory and Environment Agency policies and procedures. You will work independently and co-operatively within the team to achieve common goals.

Finally, responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training, and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident.

The team

You will be part of the Monitoring Laboratories that provides analytical services to the Environment Agency (EA). You will be based at Starcross as a member of the Metals/QS Team of 10 staff.

Experience/skills required

Ideally you will be educated to degree level, have relevant scientific qualifications or have experience working within a laboratory, though full training will be given. Previous experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory would be advantageous but not essential.

You will need to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile which include -

Achieves Results

Works in Teams.

Communicates Effectively

Manage your Health and Safety

Contact and additional information

The role is Monday to Friday based on a 37-hour week. This is a non-hybrid role, and you'll be required to work these hours at Starcross Laboratory, Exeter. Occasional travel may be required for training/courses.

If you have questions prior to applying, please contact Tanya Hunt by email A reserve list will apply. Interviews will be held face to face early December

For further information on this role, the employee benefits and work of the Environment Agency. Please download the candidate pack.

We encourage you to refer to the EA Capability dictionary and STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) information in the attached candidate pack, to assist you with your application.

Competence 1

Achieves Results

Description

Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results

Describe a time when you have achieved something whilst working under pressure.

Competence 2

Works in Teams

Description

Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goal

Describe a time when you worked in a team that functioned well as a team. What was your role within the team and why do you think it worked so well?

Competence 3

Communicates Effectively

Description

Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Describe a time when you have used a range of communication methods to present your views in a convincing way. How did you gauge if your colleagues understood you

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.