Chemist Grade III Opportunities – The State Laboratory
About Us
The State Laboratory is part of the Civil Service and provides a comprehensive analytical chemistry and advisory service to a range of Government Departments and Public Sector Bodies. Its primary functions include:
* Conducting chemical analysis for regulatory and enforcement purposes.
* Providing forensic analysis in criminal investigations.
* Offering expert advice and scientific support to government agencies.
About the Job of a Chemist III
An exciting opportunity for skilled scientists to contribute to public service through high-quality chemical analysis.
Working in the Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Chemists Grade III play a key role in applying advanced analytical techniques and utilise cutting-edge instrumentation to deliver results that benefit Irish society.
We are seeking motivated and skilled Chemistry Graduates and Chemistry Postgraduates to join our team as a Chemist III. Chemists III carry out both qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses, covering a mix of routine and more complex, non-routine work in our lab and research facility.
Key duties associated with this position are:
* Employ and maintain a strong knowledge of chemistry and analytical techniques, applicable to a practical laboratory setting;
* Assist with routine and non-routine chemical analyses to international standards with a commitment to accuracy and compliance with quality and safety systems;
* Interpret analytical data, draw conclusions and report findings within agreed time schedules.
* Learn and apply laboratory software systems, including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and developing confidence with instrument software and relevant IT tools;
* Participate fully in the Laboratory's Performance Management and Development System (PMDS), both in the role of Manager (where required) and jobholder;
To Succeed as a Chemist you
MUST
have:
On or before closing date of competition, hold a qualification of at least Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Science with chemistry/analytical chemistry being a significant component of the final year programme, or, a relevant qualification which is acceptable to the State Laboratory as being at least equivalent with either:
* a minimum 2.2. Honour's result
or
* an additional and higher qualification (level 9 or 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry (where chemistry/analytical chemistry is the significant component of the qualification).
and
* have recent (in the last 3 years) relevant laboratory experience of at least 12 months' duration (12 months experience is also acceptable from a postgraduate taught/ research programme);
and
* have practical chemistry laboratory skills.
Desirable Requirements:
* Experience with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC).
* A Masters or PhD (NFQ level 9 or 10) in analytical chemistry
* Proficiency in Mass Spectrometry (MS), including High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and Time-of-Flight (TOF) Mass Spectrometry.
* Knowledge of ISO 17025 Standard and ISO 17025 Accreditation.
* Expertise in Residue/Trace Analysis and Analyte Testing.
* Familiarity with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
If you're a detail-driven scientist with a passion for analytical excellence, we'd like to hear from you.
Closing date: 12 noon, Friday, 14 November 2025