Laboratory Assistant x2

Location

The role is based in Alice Holt Research Station, Farnham GU10 4LH. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

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 (FR) 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.

Job Description

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. Due to a peak in workload, we are seeking 2 additional laboratory assistants to further grow the team. Work will primarily involve sorting and processing foliar and root samples in the laboratory and preparing soil samples for chemical analysis from new research studies.We expect the successful individuals to commence employment immediately on completion of pre-employment screening.

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.

Key Work Areas

i.  Receiving, transferring and processing environmental samples, including sorting, drying, crushing, grinding, sieving, milling and weighing
ii  General laboratory duties, including keeping worktops tidy and washing sample bottles and containers

Person Specification

We require individuals  who can follow detailed instructions in accordance with established procedures. Accuracy and tidiness are important and essential in carrying out routine and repetitive tasks. You should be able to work well independently and as part of a team. 

Essential Criteria:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including Science, Maths and English

Desirable Criteria:

• Some experience of working in a chemical laboratory

Full job details and how to apply here.