Scientist - Fibres & Minerals (Band 5/EO)

We are seeking a motivated scientist that will be committed to maintaining current levels of capability and has the ambition to develop further with the ability and desire to become a technical expert in the field of asbestos and silica exposure measurement.Upon joining the team, you will be required to study for and pass the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) Proficiency Modules; P401 Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples by PLM P401 and P403 Air Sampling and Fibre Counting. You will also have the opportunity to work towards the BOHS Certificate of Competence in Asbestos.Your role will be to enable the continuation of essential research to support the implementation and evidence base for HSEs Control of Asbestos Regulations. You can expect to attend, gather evidence and contribute to incident investigations, providing innovative support to regulators, prosecutions, industry and HSE research projects, with the aim to prevent death, injury and ill-health of workers and those affected by work activities.You will take responsibility for managing your own workload and prioritising tasks on a daily basis to meet business demands. The role involves periods of independent work in both an office and laboratory environment, including extended periods of sitting at a microscope for detailed analyses. The role will involve handling hazardous materials e.g. asbestos, in a controlled and safe laboratory environment on a daily basis and during sample collection during site and field visits. As part of this role you will also support the wider Exposure Measurement Team with routine analytical services and provide analytical support to other government departments, as appropriate.TravelThe practical laboratory-based nature of the work does mean there will be a requirement to regularly attend the Buxton site for routine work activities and collaborative working in line with business needs.There will be occasions when you will be expected to travel for site visits and meetings, which may include overnight stays, as well as the opportunity to attend scientific conferences. You will be encouraged to share the outcomes of your work both internally and with the wider scientific community through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.Responsibilities: The role responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to: following and working to health, safety, quality and wellbeing policies and procedures. being disciplined in operating within set standards; being precise and using your attention to detail; holding yourself and others accountable in producing accurate and error free quality outputs. analysis and investigations using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and other techniques. developing and improving analytical methods and instrumentation within the subject of hazardous fibres, dusts & minerals. expanding and further developing external asbestos related business. expanding and further developing project work areas in asbestos and other hazardous fibres, minerals and crystalline silica. preparing & presenting project work through conferences (talks & posters) and publication of academic papers and HSE research reports. input into the H-EC quality management system activities (ISO 17025, ISO 17043 and ISO 9001). training to become an HSE Nominated Asbestos Person for asbestos site activities, working collaboratively with colleagues in and across the H-EC Capability Group Science Division (SD), other HSE Divisions and external collaborators and stakeholders.