Executive Analytical Chemist

Executive Analytical Chemist

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title and Grade / Executive Analytical Chemist
Grade Code (3742) & (3744)
Campaign Reference / NRS02317
Closing Date / Thursday, 14th May 2015 @ 12 Noon
Proposed Interview Date (s) / Mid June 2015
Taking up Appointment / To be agreed at job offer stage.
Organisational Area / HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster
Location of Post / A panel may be created for Public Analyst’s Laboratory, Sir Patrick Duns, Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2 to fill all current and future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration.
Further details of the post can be sought from
Name: Dr Michael O'Sullivan, Public Analyst.
Email:
Tel: 01-6612022
Details of Service / The statutory responsibility of the three Public Analyst’s Laboratories (PALs), located in Cork Dublin and Galway, is the protection of public health by providing an accredited independent scientific analytical and advisory service to a wide range of customers.
The Legislative Statutory framework for the PALs is enshrined in all relevant food safety and food control legislation and cosmetics safety legislation, both EU and Nationally as implemented by S.I.s. The latter include S.I. 117 of 2010 EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations and S.I. No. 440 of 2013 European Union (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2013.
The PALs are listed as Official laboratories authorised and mandated to perform scientific testing of (i) food, including for food safety and risk assessment reasons to protect Public Health in relation to food safety and quality; (ii) cosmetics, for cosmetics control and safety. The Executive Analytical Chemist is listed as Approved Examiner
Dublin PAL is the EU National Reference Laboratory for mycotoxins, materials in contact with foods and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Dublin PAL provides an accredited multidisciplinary chemical and microbiological analytical service for the HSE Dublin Mid Leinster and Dublin North East Areas and a National service in its wide area of specialised testing. Sample categories tested include food, cosmetics, water, clinical (for metals only), environmental and miscellaneous.
Dublin PAL is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and has an extensive and constantly expanding scope of accreditation in all the areas of analytical services it provides. Full details of the current scope of accreditation are available at:
http://www.inab.ie/FileUpload/Testing/-Public-Analyst-s-Laboratory-Dublin-099T.pdf
Customers of Dublin PAL include: The HSE, HSE Environmental Health Service, Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Department of Health, EU, EU Joint Research Centre, Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, Local Authorities (LA), LA Veterinary Inspectors, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Safefood, Food Business Operators, the general public, hospitals & GPs, other Government Departments.
Reporting Relationship / Executive Analytical Chemist reports to:
(i) Public Analyst
(ii) Deputy Public Analyst
Purpose of the Post / To work as a team member in providing a chemical analytical service to customers of the Public Analyst’s Laboratory Service, for the protection of Public Health and Consumer protection.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities / The successful candidate will be required
Professional
·  To carry out chemical analysis and/or the microscopical examination of any sample of food, water, cosmetics, drugs, sewage, or articles of miscellaneous nature.
·  To use modern, instrumental techniques and classical methods of chemical analysis.
·  To supervise technical staff.
·  To implement the analysis programmes of the laboratory.
·  To report results of analysis in designated areas of responsibility, using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
·  To carry out Research and Development of analytical methods.
·  To write reports and Standard Operating Procedures for new analytical methods.
Quality & Audit
·  To implement the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
·  Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
HR
·  To attend daily at the Public Analyst’s Laboratory at such an hour as may be determined by the Chief Executive Officer.
·  To carry out his/her duties under the general control of the Public Analyst as the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time direct.
·  To carry out such duties appropriate to the office as may be duly assigned to him/her.
Health & Safety & Risk Management
·  To assist in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with all Health and Safety legislation and regulations, and to monitor their implementation.
·  To assist in observing and ensuring implementation and adherence to established policies and procedures, such as health and safety and emergency procedures.
·  To document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of relevant / designated individual(s) in line with best practice and laboratory policy.
·  To participate in risk assessment, identify risks and take appropriate action
Education & Training
·  To actively participate in continuing education, training and research activities consistent with the position.
The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience, / Please note candidates must fulfil one set of eligibility criteria, i.e. that listed under Grade Code 3742 OR Grade Code 3744 on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the office:
Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc
Executive Analytical Chemist (Grade Code 3742)
(a)  Hold a recognised 1st or 2nd Class Honours degree in which Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology or Biochemistry was a major subject or option in the final examination or hold an equivalent professional qualification
AND
(b)  Have, after attaining the degree or qualification at (a) above, at least five years satisfactory laboratory experience at least two years of which were spent in one or more of the following:-
(i) The chemical or microscopical analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents, or,
(ii) The Microbiological examination of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents, or,
(iii) The use of Instrumental Techniques that are employed in the analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents.
(c)  Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the post.
OR
Executive Analytical Chemist (Grade Code 3744)
1. A recognised Doctorate (PhD or DPhil)
(a)  in Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, Instrumental Analytical Chemistry, Environmental/Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or Toxicology
AND
(b)  have a minimum of 1 years satisfactory experience at Executive Analytical Chemist level or Deputy Public Analyst level or equivalent, in one or more of the following:
(i)  the Chemical or Microscopical Analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents or
(ii)  the Microbiological Examination of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents, or
(iii) the use of Instrumental Techniques that are employed in the Analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents.
OR
2. A recognised Masters of Science (MSc or MPhil):
(a) in Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, Instrumental Analytical Chemistry, Environmental/Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or Toxicology
AND
(b) Have a minimum of 3 years satisfactory experience at Executive Analytical
Chemist level or Deputy Public Analyst level or equivalent, in one or more of
the following:
(i)  the Chemical or Microscopical Analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents,
or
(ii)  the Microbiological Examination of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents,
or
(iii)  the use of Instrumental Techniques that are employed in the Analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents.
OR
3) Other qualifications:
a) The Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) of the Royal Society of Chemistry or other recognised Doctorate or Masters of Science degrees, whose content is composed largely of one or more of the subjects listed in 1 or 2 above.
AND
b) Have a minimum of 1 years (post Doctorate or equivalent) or 3 years (post Masters) satisfactory experience at Executive Analytical Chemist level or Deputy Public Analyst level or equivalent, in one or more of the following:
(i)  the Chemical or Microscopical Analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents, or
(ii) the Microbiological Examination of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluent, or
(iii) the use of Instrumental Techniques that are employed in the Analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.
Post Specific Requirements: Additional qualifications and/or experience required / Demonstrate experience in:
(i) The chemical or microscopical analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents, or,
(ii) The Microbiological examination of Food, Drugs, Water or Effluents, or,
(iii) The use of Instrumental Techniques that are employed in the analysis of Food, Drugs or Water Effluents.
Other requirements specific to the post / Access to transport
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge / The Executive Analytical Chemist will:
·  Demonstrate good theoretical and technical knowledge of chemical analysis
·  Demonstrate sufficient professional knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role
·  Demonstrate experience of applying evidence based practice
·  Demonstrate knowledge of modern, instrumental techniques and classical methods of chemical analysis.
·  Demonstrate knowledge of Quality Assurance Procedures, in particular those of ISO/IEC 17025
·  Demonstrate the possession of good IT skills
·  Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with colleagues and service users and the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
·  Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage resources and to deliver services in an effective and resourceful manner
·  Demonstrate the ability to manage self in a busy working environment
·  Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change
·  Demonstrate a commitment to deliver a high quality, customer centred service
·  Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions especially with regard to customer service
·  Demonstrate effective team skills including the ability to work in multi-disciplinary and inter-agency teams
·  Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development
·  Demonstrate the ability to supervise and support staff, where appropriate.
Competition Specific Selection process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview / A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Code of Practice / The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates”.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates or on www.cpsa.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE

Executive Analytical Chemist

(Grade Code 3742 and 3744)

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure / The current vacancy is whole-time and permanent.
The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which all permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration / The Salary scale for the post as of 01/01/11 is:
Executive Analytical Chemist (Grade Code 3742):
42,057, 44,402, 46,730, 48,467, 50,205, 51,944, 53,681, 55,421, 57,157, 58,892, 60,635, 62,372 64,373 65,000 LSIs
Executive Analytical Chemist (Grade Code 3744):
47,396, 50,566, 52,662, 55,020, 57,350, 59,706, 62,077, 64,437, 65,000, 65,866, 67,855, LSIs