City/Town
Exeter
Region
South West
Vacancies
2
Salary Minimum
£25,301
Post Type
Permanent
Job ID
33577
Closing date
04 May 2026
Published date
19 Apr 2026
Grade
Staff Grade 2
Role type
Science
Security check
Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual to join us as an Assistant Scientist in the Organic Chemistry team at our Monitoring Laboratory based in Starcross.
Working with other Assistant Scientists, you will be supporting the section in the day to day running of the laboratory so that key analytical targets are achieved and ensure compliance to our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
As an Assistant Scientist you will be required to:
Continually display safe working practices in line with Environment Agency guidance.
Be responsible for the analysis of Environmental samples, using various analytical techniques, to ensure effective delivery of a high-quality analytical service to set quality targets
Ensure all Quality Control procedures are followed across all areas of the department.
Excellent team working skills, good attention to detail and a willingness to learn and develop are essential for the role. You will be required to demonstrate that you are able to prioritise and plan your work and comply with Health and Safety, laboratory and Environment Agency policies and procedures. You will work independently and co-operatively within the team to achieve common goals.
Ideally you will be educated to degree level in a Scientific discipline. This is not essential as full training will be given but you should have a keen interest in pursuing a career in Science.
Previous experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory would be advantageous but not essential.
You will need to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile which include -
Manages Self
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience.
The role is Monday to Friday based on a 37-hour week. This is a non-hybrid role, and you’ll be required to work these hours at Starcross Laboratory, Exeter. Occasional travel may be required for training.
If you have questions prior to applying, please contact Paul Leather or Edyta Bartkowska by email [email protected] or [email protected]
A reserve list will apply and Interviews will be held face to face late May 2026.
For further information on this role, the employee benefits and work of the Environment Agency. Please download the candidate pack.
We encourage you to refer to the EA Capability dictionary and STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) information in the attached candidate pack, to assist you with your application.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.