DNA analyst & Deputy Laboratory Manager

DNA analyst & Deputy Laboratory Manager

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package: £23, 290 - £33, 170 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Let us introduce the role

AWE is currently recruiting a deputy lab manager and DNA analyst for the Radiochemistry Group. This is a unique role ideally suited to an individual with lab management experience who can conduct laboratory processes. The suitable candidate will be expected to split their time across two areas of work that are core to the team:

1. Deputy lab manager: Support procurement, organisation and maintenance of the radiochemical science laboratories to enable operations. Effective stakeholder management is required to successfully deliver in this role.

2. DNA Analyst: Become trained to perform DNA analysis in AWE laboratories. Work will include maintenance and development of these processes to deliver a robust capability.

While previous experience in these areas is desirable, on the job training will be provided by experienced colleagues.

The Radiochemistry Group within the Materials & Analytical Science (MAS) Function supports multiple programmes at AWE. This includes Conventional & Nuclear Forensics for our Nuclear Threat Reduction customer who require us to develop and maintain a diverse capability.

The role requires you to provide technical knowledge and expertise in the field of DNA Science and Radiochemistry to ensure the delivery of the programme and external collaborative projects, in a cost effective, quality conscious, safe and secure manner.

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with practical experience in a scientific support role work and are motivated by furthering their career within a technical environment.

To be considered for the role you should be able to work flexibly within a close team environment and possess good interpersonal skills. A formal qualification in a scientific discipline is desirable although equivalent qualifications or experience will be considered and not essential for the role.

Candidates will have the following skills, experience, and behaviours:

• Keen attitude to learning.
• Demonstrate desire for on-the-job development within a technical field.
• A strong team player: Experience of working in a team towards common goals.
• Delivery of technical objectives to time and quality.
• Ability to perform operational safety checks to support the safe and efficient operation in a laboratory environment.
• Maintain the workplace in compliance with company processes, standards, and procedures.
• Support continuous improvement activities within the local area.
• Willing to work with hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials.
• Able to work against a defined operating procedure without close supervision.
• Can competently manage information on behalf of a team.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

• An understanding of working with radioactive material.
• Experience of working to safe systems of work - ideally experience authoring or managing associated documentation such as Risk & COSHH assessments.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and able to communicate information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong IT skills - willingness to contribute to data management and knowledge capture capabilities.
• Experience or knowledge of working to regulatory requirements.
• Good knowledge of Forensic Science.
• Relevant academic or industrial experience in Forensic DNA.
• Experience of working in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory.

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.