Senior Scientist

We have a great opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join our passionate and dedicated Laboratory team in Saltford.

The primary location for this role is our laboratory facility in Saltford, but you may be required to work at our second laboratory facility currently being constructed in Filton.

What you'll do

As a Senior Scientist, your role will involve coordinating resources to ensure the effective and safe day-to-day running of the laboratory while maintaining our high standards of quality.

You will ensure that the routine chemical analysis of samples is carried out to the required standard and turnaround time to comply with internal customer, Drinking Water Inspectorate and Environment Agency requirements, helping to maintain UKAS accreditation.

Duties will include:

• working with other Senior Scientists and Laboratory Managers to ensure the efficient day-to-day operation of the team, including allocating resources to meet service level agreements whilst maintaining a safe working environment
• ensuring the team follows all procedures, and quality and health and safety standards
• being responsible for the supervision and training of the team
• acting as a technical expert for the analysis in your section, having an in-depth knowledge of the methodology used, and recommending new equipment and opportunities for improvements
• ensuring the efficient operation of instruments and equipment, keeping them in proper working order, while also carrying out checks and maintaining associated records
• taking a lead on identifying and implementing improvements, method development and validations to meet UKAS and quality requirements
• taking a lead on quality matters, conducting internal audits and liaising with internal stakeholders and customers
• responding to customer queries and completing thorough investigations, determining root causes with appropriate improvement actions implemented
• providing information and advice to operational staff and customers
• deputising for the Team Manager as required.

What you'll need

To be considered for this excellent opportunity, you will have a degree in an appropriate discipline or many years of experience working in a laboratory environment, and will ideally be a member of an appropriate professional body.

You'll need to be technically knowledgeable and have practical experience in a range of techniques for the chemical analysis of organic substances and a good understanding of COSHH, health and safety regulations and risk assessments.

Additionally, you will have experience assessing, implementing and maintaining improvements to the laboratory Quality Management System, including its policies and procedures.

A key aspect of this role is being good with people. You will need to be approachable and able to support both less experienced staff and also work well with other Senior Scientists and the Laboratory Manager to help maintain a culture of mutual trust and respect. Bringing the best out in others is a key attribute that we are looking for.

The following attributes are desirable, but not essential:

• leadership skills including training, support and supervision
• competent in most areas of work (within an appropriate laboratory area) including those requiring greater technical ability and expertise
• a detailed understanding of the principles involved in complex analytical techniques used
• the ability to advise on new methodology and implement new techniques including efficiency savings and the impact of new equipment
• the ability to plan and supervise complex method development, including training others
• an understanding of costs and assisting with the budget process
• an up-to-date CPD record, ideally working towards chartered status with an appropriate professional body.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary, subject to conditions.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West.
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350 acre former airfield into an award winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community.
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors.
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 19,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space.
• Plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.  

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.