The Marine Institute is the national agency responsible for marine research, technology, development and innovation (RTDI). The Marine Institute seeks to assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland’s 220-million-acre marine resource; promote the sustainable development of marine industry through strategic funding programmes and scientific services; and safeguard the marine environment through research and environmental monitoring.
The Institute works in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and a network of other Government Departments, semi-state agencies, national and international marine partners.
Summary of the Role:
This role is for a half-time laboratory analyst, working 2.5 days consecutively per week. You will work primarily as part of the residues team (~7 people) within the busy Marine Chemistry section (~23 people), undertaking chemical analysis for residues of pharmacologically-active residues and other contaminants in fish and other matrices. These analyses support official surveillance and investigative monitoring under the National Residues and Contaminants Control Plans as required by various European legislation. Ultimately the data contributes to ensuring that foodstuffs produced in or imported into Ireland are safe to eat. Results indicating illegal use of substances in food production could lead to prosecution so sampling and confirmatory analysis must be legally defensible.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for carrying out a range of duties consistent with the work described above. These include:
- Carry out chemical analysis for substances in seafood and environmental matrices, including residues of pharmacologically-active substances (such as antibiotics in fishery products) and/or environmental contaminants.
- Carry out analytical method development, optimisation and troubleshooting as required
- Undertake analytical method validation as required in accordance with European legislation1 and other guidance and participate in proficiency testing/ intercalibrations.
- Undertake fieldwork, as may be required from time to time, such as sampling of farmed fish, sampling of other environmental matrices. This may involve sampling from vessels.
- Contribute to all aspects of the Institute’s Quality System (ISO 17025) as required, including undertaking internal audits.
- Report data to relevant databases and prepare technical reports as may be required
- Any other duties as may be required from time to time.
Essential Education and Qualifications
- A minimum of a Certificate (third level) in a relevant scientific area or an equivalent qualification.
- Demonstrated relevant work experience undertaking chemical analysis using modern laboratory instrumentation
- Excellent working knowledge of modern analytical instrumentation, such as chromatography and hyphenated mass spectrometry techniques.
- A high degree of computer literacy and proficient in the use of standard Microsoft Office software packages.
- The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- The ability to manage time effectively and work to deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail.
Desired Education and Qualifications
- A degree, or post-graduate qualification, in analytical science, chemistry, or an equivalent scientific qualification.
- Two-years working experience in an analytical laboratory
- Relevant analytical experience, for example in trace analysis for residues and/or environmental contaminants
- Strong experience in working with LCMSMS and other/or mass spectrometric techniques
- Understanding of formal quality systems applied in a laboratory setting
- Demonstrated experience in working in an accredited laboratory environment (e.g. ISO17025) and track record in implementing work/methods that conform to this standard.
- Highly skilled in analytical troubleshooting/problem solving.
- Experience in developing, optimising and validating analytical methods for trace analytes in complex matrices and understanding of the processes involved
- Proven scientific and technical report writing skills.
- Experience in field sampling for environmental monitoring programmes
Salary range: €34,741-€58,528
Application deadline: October 4th
