Senior Scientist

Company Description

ABOUT LGC ASSURE:

LGC ASSURE is a business unit within LGC Group, bound together by the core purpose of “Science for a Safer World”. Our mission within LGC Assure is to provide intelligent assurance for our customers and their supply network, primarily in the global food and beverage sector. We achieve this through three primary product and service offerings: certification and standards, digital and data, and testing and science-based services.

Our core products in the food and beverage sector comprise:

BRCGS: Protecting brands with globally recognised supply chain assurance solutions, based in London – UK and Milton – Canada.

INFORMED: Delivering quality assurance through globally trusted testing and certification programs for banned substances, based in Cambridge – UK and Lexington – US.

Safefood360: A leading software provider covering all aspects of compliance, delivered by a team of experienced food industry experts based in Dublin – Ireland.

Job Description

Position Summary

The senior scientist performs both routine and non-routine laboratory procedures in sample extraction and instrumental analysis with no supervision to provide (as part of a team) high-quality analytical chemistry service to LGC’s customers. The senior scientist also provides technical instruction and training and leads in the development of new methods and procedures.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leadership within the laboratory and management of scientific programs
• Planned and coordinated use of methods and equipment
• Development, design and implementation of standard operating procedures and methodology for which there are no published, established standard protocols or methods using a range of analytical techniques
• Maintain and operate LC/MS and/or GC/MS instruments
  • Perform routine maintenance
  • Monitor equipment to evaluate performance and to diagnose malfunctions
  • Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation as needed and identify when to contact vendor for assistance
• Critical assessment of analytical data, presentation of results and recommendation of further actions
• Produce results in a timely manner to meet client turnaround time requirements
• Write, revise, review, and follow standard operating procedures
• Supervise the training of new/temporary staff and act as line manager if required
• Present work internally and externally
• Plan and direct method validation exercises
• Plan and conduct analytical work using appropriate techniques and in accordance with regulatory standards, e.g., ISO 17025
• Maintain work-related documentation (e.g., laboratory records, test results) in hard copy and/or electronic form according to laboratory protocol
• Participate in the tracking of supply, reagent and reference material inventories and initiate purchase requisitions where necessary
• Authorized to approve and issue customer reports
• Organize, clean, and maintain workspace
• Perform additional non-routine work as and when required
• Other duties as assigned
• Comply with all company policies and safety procedures

Working Conditions:

• Work is generally performed in a normal laboratory setting with exposure to non-infectious pathological waste and caustic or toxic chemicals. 
• Working schedules are dependent on the needs of the business and may include shift work, weekend work, and variance in scheduled hours.
• Work environment involves exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following safety precautions and specific personnel training for employees working with hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

Qualifications

Essential

• B.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related discipline
• Plus a minimum of five (5) years relevant post-degree work experience or masters degree and a minimum of three (3) years relevant post-degree work experience, or a PhD and a minimum of one (1) year relevant work experience

Preferred

• Experience with LC/MS and/or GC/MS instrumentation

Competencies & Behaviours

• Good communicator, able to record laboratory work accurately and concisely
• Accurate and diligent with a high attention to detail
• Reliable with a high degree of integrity
• Computer proficient, especially with Microsoft Office products
• Ability to read, comprehend, and speak English

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time; ability to maneuver around the laboratory; good dexterity and ability to rotate wrists, arms and shoulders. Must have good eyesig