Description:
We are currently recruiting for a Laboratory Leader to lead the delivery of analytical services supporting the Dounreay decommissioning programme. This is an exciting opportunity to manage laboratory operations, drive quality and performance, and play a key role in ensuring critical analytical work is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Jointly manage the day-to-day operations of the Environmental Analysis laboratory areas in the D1310 Laboratory, ensuring work is delivered safely and efficiently within the Authorisation to Operate (ATO)
- Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 standards, maintaining UKAS accreditation and delivering inter-comparison requirements
- Lead, develop, and manage laboratory staff, acting as a Line Manager
- Deliver sample preparation, analysis, and reporting to meet regulatory and decommissioning deadlines, including emergent work
- Monitor performance across safety and quality, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions
- Minimise operational delays by identifying constraints and driving improvements to reduce downtime
- Support and enhance the Laboratories’ Quality Management System (QMS), including audits, non-compliance management, and continuous improvement
- Engage with customers, regulators, and auditors, provide reports, and support nuclear material accountancy and safety authorisations
Qualifications & Experience
- HND in Science or equivalent qualification plus experience.
- Proven experience in analytical laboratory radiometric counting operations within a regulated environment
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025 and UKAS accreditation requirements
- Experience in method development, validation, and laboratory quality systems
- Demonstrated leadership and people management capability
- Strong understanding of safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements
- Effective communication skills with experience engaging internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to strict deadlines
Desirable
- Experience in the nuclear, environmental, or highly regulated sectors
- Relevant safety authorisations or willingness to obtain them