Marine Institute - 2 vacancies

Organisation Description:

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.

Temporary WFD Laboratory Analyst - Trace Metal Testing

Summary of the Role:

This role will work as a key part of the Water Framework Directive Team (6 people) within the busy Marine Chemistry section (~22 people) and will be based at our headquarters in Oranmore, County Galway.  

You will primarily be responsible for undertaking analysis of environmental contaminants, such as mercury and trace metals and other parameters in environmental matrices (e.g. saline and non-saline water, sediments and biota) using state of the art instrumentation, in particular Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (CV-AFS). New method development, optimisation and validation will also form a key aspect.

You will work in our very well-equipped chemistry laboratories, overlooking Galway Bay, where we have state-of-the-art instrumentation, including various hyphenated mass spectrometric, chromatographic and spectroscopic systems. These analyses support national monitoring under the European Water Framework Directive and ultimately contribute to ensuring Irish coastal and transitional waters are clean and of good quality. The Marine Institute implements a strong laboratory quality management system with most test methods accredited to ISO 17025 standard and you will actively contribute to maintaining the high standards set.

Please read a detailed job description here

Educational and Professional Requirements:

• A minimum of a Certificate (third level) in a relevant Science subject or an equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrated relevant post qualification work experience, ideally to include analysis of chemical substances in complex matrices
• A high level of computer literacy including proficiency in the use of standard Microsoft Office software packages.
• Excellent working knowledge of modern analytical instrumentation, such as ICPMS, and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Proven scientific & technical report writing skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• The ability to manage time effectively and work to deadlines.

How to Apply:

A C.V. and letter of application, summarising experience and skill set applicable to the position should be emailed to recruitment@marine.ie or posted to Human Resources at the Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Galway. All correspondence for this post should quote reference MEFS/LA/WFD/Sep2022

Laboratory Quality Manager – Team Leader

Summary of the Role:

The successful candidate will:

• Carry out the role of Quality Manager within MEFSS to maintain the high standard of accreditation/certification (ISO17025 and ISO9001) and expand the scope, as necessary.
• Represent the Institute in discussions with accreditation bodies and auditors, as well as with FSAI, vendors, sub-contractors, and other relevant agencies.
• Keep abreast of evolving national and international legislation and regulations to ensure that the scope of the Marine Institute quality system satisfies requirements - including the policies and standards to which the quality system adheres.
• Identify opportunities for improvements and efficiencies in laboratory-based activities within MEFSS (e.g. through the use of laboratory information management systems).
• Work closely with the Facilities Management function of the Marine Institute to ensure that best usage is made of the Institute’s laboratory facilities.
• Work closely with the Purchasing function of the Marine Institute to ensure:
  • Good practice and efficient supply and availability of laboratory consumables
  • Good value is achieved in the procurement of goods and services, in particular those relating to maintenance and servicing of laboratory equipment.
• Carry out Health and Safety activities for MEFSS, and ensure that policies, procedures, and risk assessment are fit for purpose and adhered to.
• Promote the quality ethos within MEFSS.

Please read a detailed job description here

Educational and Professional Requirements:

• A Degree in Science or an equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of three years relevant work experience in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory environment.
• Management experience with direct proven ability to manage people, projects and budgets.
• Experience of significant involvement in a laboratory quality management system – e.g. as quality manager/deputy -
• Significant knowledge of and experience with ISO17025 standard.
• Good knowledge and understanding of technical procedures and principles for validation of analytical test methods.
• Experience of auditing in a laboratory context and closing audit non-compliance identified, assessing the risks posed by the issues raised, determining root causes, ongoing recommendations
• Proven knowledge of document control software (e.g. Paradigm).
• High Level of experience in the use of Microsoft Office software packages.
• Proven report writing Skills, ideally to include Technical reports. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work with and effectively communicate with colleagues within the Marine Institute and external to the organisation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in addition to effective numeracy skills.

Duration of Contract:

This temporary specified purpose contract of employment, providing Career Break cover will run for up to two years/24 months.  The successful candidate will be on probation for the first 12 months of this contract.

How to Apply:

A C.V. and letter of application, summarising experience and skill set applicable to the position should be emailed to recruitment@marine.ie or posted to Human Resources at the Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Galway. All correspondence for this post should quote reference MEFS/TL/Quality/Aug22