We are Uisce Éireann. Every day, we are responsible for the delivery of secure, safe, and sustainable water services for the people of Ireland. As Ireland’s national regulated water utility, our vision is a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.
Our purpose at Uisce Éireann is to rise to the challenge of delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. That means we are proud to take on the responsibility of protecting our water supply and passing on a safe and secure water system to a rapidly growing population and empowering Ireland’s social and economic growth.
We are passionate about empowering our people, enabling them to make a positive impact on communities across Ireland. We are guided by a shared vision and purpose, grounded in values that define who we are and shape how we work, where we deliver for customers and communities, we work better together, we do the right thing, we aim high, and we keep each other safe. Our behaviours define how we interact, communicate, and succeed together. These values and behaviours apply to each one of us, across every role, location, and level.
Our goal is to attract and develop skilled and talented people from diverse backgrounds, who bring a dynamic range of expertise and insights to our work. With a strong, values-driven workforce, we ensure Uisce Éireann can continue advancing Ireland’s water services and meeting the needs of the communities we serve for generations to come.
The Role:
The Scientific and Technical Services functional area is responsible for the national provision of operational support services to include sampling and laboratory analytics, ensuring that activities are performed in accordance with regulatory obligations to protect public health and the environment.
Reporting directly to the Technical Manager in their area, the Laboratory Senior Scientist – Microbiology is responsible for assisting with delivering a quality service to Uisce Éireann and its customers, complying with the requirements of the Quality management system and ISO17025 standard; this will be done by assisting with managing team performance and the use of efficient and effective resources. They will provide technical advice to the team of scientists and technologists in their area, to overcome technical issues and blockers. They will also participate in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, carrying out sample preparation, analysis and reporting duties for Water and Wastewater Samples for Uisce Éireann (UÉ) as required.
Please note the following working hours and duties apply to the operational phase of the Laboratory and Sampling service. There will be an initial development phase in which working hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and duties relating to the development of the service will apply until the operational phase commences.
The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the role holder will be required to participate in standard hours working rosters to cover Laboratory operational hours of 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. There is also a service commitment to providing laboratory cover on weekends and Public Holidays.When required to perform weekend/public holiday work this will be infrequent as part of a defined rota and in addition to the standard working week. Rostered work performed outside 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday will be remunerated as a roster participation allowance.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
* Assist with management of a laboratory unit and delivery of a high-quality service to UÉ and its customers, with processes complying with the requirements of the EPA, INAB, ISO17025 standards, regulatory requirements, and the management system.
* Provide technical direction, support, and advice in relation to Microbiology as particular area of analytical expertise.
* Responsible for the analysis of clean and waste samples for microbiological analyses in their area.
* Participate in the weekend and public holiday roster within the Microbiology laboratory when required, per approved rotas.
* Participate in and supervise the development, verification, and validation of new and existing methodologies for the analysis of waters, wastewaters and related samples in UÉ.
* Responsible for participation and performance in proficiency testing (PT) Schemes in their area.
* Drive cost efficiency and quality, challenging and developing solutions for improvements to existing practices and adopting industry best practice.
* Maximise the effectiveness of the Laboratory team in their area and develop and grow the skills of all team members through the provision of coaching, training, and performance management.
* Timely reporting, review, and authorisation of laboratory test results (including statements of conformity where applicable) in their department, in compliance with the Quality System, ISO17025 and regulatory requirements.
* Undertake and participate in risk assessments (H&S and operational) in their area, according to ISO17025, UÉ and QMS requirements, as required.
* Undertake and participate in internal audits according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.
* Undertake and participate in nonconforming work investigations according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.
* Manage stock control levels and timely ordering in their area, to ensure sufficient resources in place to meet testing requirements. Perform supplier reviews as required.
* Manage the calibration, maintenance and checking of equipment ensuring the equipment is fit for purpose in compliance with ISO 17025.
* Responsible for Trouble shooting equipment, as required.
* Preparation of standards and quality controls and monitoring of performance (for example, control charts) in their area, as required.
* Responsible for establishing and maintaining positive, professional working relationships with the Laboratory team and supporting UÉ HR policies and initiatives.
* Monitor and report KPIs for processes as assigned.
* Responsible for deputising for the Technical Manager in their area –Microbiology-in their absence, when required.
* Responsible for carrying out any other duties which the Technical Manager may reasonably request.
* Adhere to all HSQE plans, policies and procedures.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Third Level qualification in a Science discipline relevant to their area of expertise- Microbiology.
* Minimum of 5 years relevant experience within their area of expertise-Microbiology, preferably in an ISO17025 testing laboratory or similar.
* Demonstrate knowledge of current analytical best practices and procedures within their area of expertise- Microbiology. Experience of Cryptosporidium techniques desirable.
* Knowledge of ISO17025 accreditation process and requirements.
* Experience of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
* Demonstrated people management experience, with strong change management and conflict resolution skills to create a collaborative working environment with internal and external stakeholders.
* Experience of managing end-to end processes and providing coaching in the development of the technical skills and competencies of their team to ensure delivery meets customer expectation.
* Experience of monitoring adherence to policies and controls and leading teams to work to the highest ethical and professional standards.
* History of successfully challenging current processes and encourage creative thinking to aim for and achieve standards
* Able to work to deadlines and adapt to changing conditions and ambiguity, generating effective and pragmatic solutions to new situations and problems as they are presented.
* Proven track record of dealing with complex issues proactively and in a timely fashion, along with the ability to communicate complex information to others.
* Experience of supporting policies, systems and controls and driving the implementation of progressive policies.
* Ability to be a strong advocate for safety and wellbeing practices and ensure these are constantly being followed within your team.
The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is 13/08/2025.
Please note that applications submitted after this closing date will not be accepted.
*Please be advised that if successful you will be placed on the salary range based on your skills and experience. Please note the Market reference point (midpoint) of the range is generally the upper end of the offer where someone is deemed to be fully competent to take on the duties of the role, and leaves room for the employee to progress through the pay range as their experience develops further.
Uisce Éireann is an equal opportunities employer.
We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.
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