Chemical Researcher
Researcher position in the Chemicals team
We are expanding our Chemicals team and are looking for someone enthusiastic and energetic to support our ongoing projects in the area of REACH authorisation, chemical policy development in the UK and EU, and chemical regulatory advice for clients in the private and public sector.
About RPA
Risk & Policy Analysts Limited (RPA) is an employee-owned, B Corp certified, independent consultancy with an established reputation and proven expertise in the fields of economics, chemicals, social and environmental policy. Our main office is in Norwich city centre and so if you have recently graduated, or are shortly graduating from the UEA, this opportunity offers you the chance to stay in our wonderful and vibrant city.
We provide multi-disciplinary, innovative, expert advice and strategic analysis, assisting both public and private sector decision makers in the development and implementation of sustainable policies. We deliver this through a broad range of services and use a variety of skills to produce high quality, tailor-made outputs. The work we do places us directly at the centre of the UK and European legislative processes, providing us with an opportunity to help ensure public and private sector entities achieve their sustainability goals.
Over the past 34 years, we have innovatively and proudly pushed forward the boundaries of how impact assessments and evaluations, as well as broader policy analyses, are carried out across a range of different fields. Our work has often been used as examples of best practice. Our clients come to us for innovative approaches, creative thinking, critical analysis and impartial consulting.
About the role
We are expanding our chemicals regulatory policy area to support UK and EU clients, and we are seeking to recruit a researcher.
This position requires an individual who is methodical and analytical, an agile learner, and someone who is confident to tackle unfamiliar subjects with enthusiasm. You will be expected to manage your own time and deliver on the tasks assigned to you in a timely manner.
In this role you will be involved in a variety of projects in which you will learn about various chemical substances, their properties and functions, and the industry sectors in which they are used. To support this, you will be expected to become familiar with EU and UK chemical policy and regulations, and its potential impacts.
You will typically be part of project teams, supporting the project leader and colleagues to develop project deliverables, meeting time, budget and quality requirements. You will carry out literature reviews, collect and analyse large amounts of information and data (usually including the use of spreadsheets), build databases, prepare written materials, contribute to reports and presentations with a view to eventually deliver presentations to external clients. You may be asked to contribute to the review of hazard profiles of chemicals or mixtures that are manufactured or imported in the UK/EU and support chemical risk assessments.
Typically, you will be involved in multiple projects at the same time offering you a range of experience in the field from which to build your career in the chemical regulatory sector.
You should be able to demonstrate good organisational skills and an ability to prepare written materials to a high standard. Our team and your nominated line manager will be there to support you through every stage of your development, and on hand to answer your questions. From day one, you will have a workplace ‘buddy’ to support you on day-to-day activities as you build your confidence working at RPA.
Requirements
- Degree to at least a 2:1 level in a science discipline. A degree in chemistry, environmental science, toxicology, chemical engineering or similar would have particular relevance.
- Excellent desk-based analytical research skills.
- Experience of quantitative research techniques and good computer skills. Proficient in the use of Word and Excel.
- Ability to work flexibly, effectively manage your own time and to deliver high quality work within deadlines.
- Good organisational skills, the ability to work independently, have initiative as well contribute to teams, support peers and senior colleagues alike.
- Good communication skills, both oral and written, and an ability to prepare written materials to a high standard.
- Willingness to learn and develop your skills.
- Alignment with RPA’s core values – ‘People Matter’, ‘Be the Difference’, and ‘Shape the Future’.
Desirable
- Some professional experience.
- Experience in writing reports and delivering presentations.
- One or more EU languages besides English.
- Knowledge of EU or UK chemical regulations, such as REACH, CLP or CMRD – desirable but not essential.
- Knowledge of toxicology or environmental hazard assessment, or environmental fate or chemistry would be highly advantageous.
Salary
The position initially offers a £23,400 salary increasing after 6 months to £24,000 (masters/PhD).
Benefits
- 33 days holiday a year, building up to 38 (including bank holidays)
- After 6 months, you will gain equity in the business via the Employee-Owned Trust which brings tax free profit share
- We offer private health care to all employees from day one
- 5% pension contribution
- Enhanced pay family policies
- 20 days full sick pay
- 5X salary death in service cover
- Paid volunteering leave
- B Corp discounts
We operate an agile working policy allowing flexible working hours and location meaning each employee can manage how often and when they are in the office. We believe this helps our co-owners to have a good work life balance. When you want to be in the office, you will be based at our modern head office in central Norwich. Our expectation for a new starter learning the role and sector is that they have face time (most likely in the office) with fellow team members at least 50% of their time during probation.
The position is permanent and can be full time or part time. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. You need to have the right to work in the UK.
If you want to be part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team with ample opportunity to help steer the future direction of EU and UK work, whilst contributing to a positive impact on society, please send your CV, and why you are looking to join RPA to applications@rpaltd.co.uk (Ref: RPA chemical researcher May), or use the form below and upload your CV directly.
The deadline for applications is Thursday 30th May 2024. Earlier applications are encouraged as interviews may start before this date.