Analytical and Laboratory Specialist

WWTP Analytical and Laboratory Specialist Role required for Life Sciences client based in Limerick. Initial 12 month contract.

This role owns the analytical programme, laboratory quality and data interpretation behind decisions on the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). WWTP Operations keeps responsibility for running and controlling the plant. This role is technical owner of the on-site laboratory and its QA/QC programme.

Responsibilities: 

• Run and oversee sampling and analysis of influent, process streams, final effluent and sludge, including on-site testing.

• Control sample handling, preservation and holding times.
• Coordinate specialist and compliance analyses by external accredited laboratories.
• Laboratory ownership and QA/QC
• Own the QA/QC programme, SOPs and analytical methods. Apply relevant ISO 17025 principles.

• Set QC requirements and acceptance criteria. Investigate results outside limits and non-conforming work.
• Run calibration and maintenance programme’s. Manage reagents, standards and consumables.
• Train analysts and assess competency. Compare results with external laboratories.
• Support audits and proficiency testing.
• Process monitoring and troubleshooting
• Read results against plant conditions. Trend key parameters and flag early decline.

• Separate analytical problems from real process change.
• Support investigation of loading, toxicity, loss of nitrification, biomass and solids issues, and effluent quality.
• Support root-cause work after excursions and trials of operating changes.
• Data and reporting
• Validate results. Keep records with full data integrity and traceability.

• Support mass-balance, loading and treatment-efficiency assessments.
• Issue routine performance reports with clear recommendations for Operations, Engineering and Environmental teams.
• Environmental and compliance support
• Know the Industrial Emissions License (IEL) requirements for wastewater monitoring.

• Support investigation of non-compliant results, incidents and regulatory reporting.
• Support EPA inspections, audits

Requirements:

• Level 8 degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Analytical Science, Environmental or Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or a related field.

• Five years of relevant experience in wastewater, water or environmental analysis.
• Hands-on wet chemistry and/or instrumental laboratory experience.
• Practical knowledge of industrial and biological wastewater treatment, including aerobic and anoxic processes.
• Proven ability to link results to process performance.
• Experience applying QA/QC and data integrity requirements in a regulated setting. Desirable Pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical experience; an EPA IEL site; activated sludge knowledge; investigating process upsets; running QA/QC systems; ISO 17025 familiarity; audits; method validation; statistics and laboratory information systems.

Please contact James Farrar today for further information email: jfarrar@careerwise.ie

CareerWise Recruitment (In Search of Excellence)Established in 1999, CareerWise Recruitment specialises in recruitment of management and technical professionals for the life sciences, ICT, engineering, food and agri sectors.We operate out of multiple locations in Ireland and have offices in Cork, Shannon, Galway, Mayo and Dublin.