Laboratory Technical Support Adviser - 12 Month FTC

Job Introduction

The post holder will work within the team of chemists supporting the Highly Active Liquor Evaporation and Storage (HALES) plant on the Sellafield site.  This team carries out primarily laboratory-based work and this role will be central in the planning and completion of a number of tasks in relation to primarily non-active laboratory work.  There will also be a requirement to carry desk-based tasks relating to the update and checking of calculation tools used to support plant operational planning and laboratory research.

There may also be a requirement to be flexible enough to be involved in related programmes of work such as vitrification support, corrosion trials and other chemistry related tasks relating to effluent plant activities, as necessary to meet business priorities.  The post holder will provide technical support to a number of HALES related projects, assisting the respective Technical Lead(s).

Main Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the HALES chemistry project team, and related technical areas, liaising with support teams such as Laboratory Operations and Project Managers to carry out laboratory based experimental work and desk based technical tasks on a range of projects.
• To carry out designated work packages, often in parallel with each other, to high standards of safety, cost, quality and time.
• Assist the Technical Lead(s) in the production of experimental programmes and related documentation for various technical tasks.
• Help to develop the skills and capabilities of other members of the HALES Chemistry team, and wider Capability area to help maintain a flexible SQEP team.
• Gather experimental data and produce required technical reports, memos, calculations and data tables etc for the respective Technical Lead.
• Play a role in ensuring that all relevant safety rules and procedures are applied by all staff and engage with related continuous improvement activities.
• Comply with legislative, regulatory and company policy standards and procedures e.g. safety, quality, risk, security etc. applicable to this role.
• Personal development to acquire new skills and knowledge is encouraged in order to maximise the flexibility of the team and Capability area.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills/Experience

• A degree in Chemistry, or a closely related subject, or alternatively an HND in Chemistry (or similar).
• Enhanced security clearance (to SC) or a willingness to undertake such enhanced security clearance.
• Proven ability via academic studies or workplace experience, to work independently in the laboratory under appropriate Safety Supervision.
• Proven ability to work closely with more senior technical staff to carry out technical work in the laboratory, including input into technical report writing.
• Can demonstrate a good knowledge and track record of the management of safety on technical project work.
• Demonstrable ability to support the delivery of laboratory work packages to required time-scales, cost and quality standards.
• Evidence of good communications skills with various colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ability to work in teams and work flexibly between different projects and technical areas to match business needs.
• An ability to develop inexperienced team members and colleagues.
• Evidence of contribution to the design of experimental programmes and willingness to take more of a lead throughout the full technical project cycle.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience in working in applicable technical areas such as aqueous/effluent chemistry, waste characterisation, corrosion or vitrification.
• Can demonstrate a good understanding of Sellafield Site operations, including specific knowledge of HALES or other effluent plant operations.

About The Company

Grounded in robust science and decades of experience, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is the authoritative voice in the UK and beyond for technological development within the nuclear power sector.

Our unparalleled understanding of the science, challenges and opportunities makes us an unrivalled authority and partner in the field, providing experts, technologies, and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.

Harnessing potential technologies and translating them into to industry-ready solutions means our pioneering approach spearheads international improvement and technological progress.

We work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with our integrated micro drilling technology, or as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems for spacecraft, based on radioactive materials