Executive Analytical Chemist
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade
Executive Analytical Chemist (Microbiology)
Grade Code (3742) & (3744)
Campaign Reference
NRS0585
Closing Date
23rd March 2012
Proposed Interview
Date (s)
Taking up
Appointment
Organisational Area
Week commencing 16th April 2012
Location of Post
Public Analyst’s Laboratory, Sir Patrick Duns, Lower Grand
Canal Street, Dublin 2.
Details of Service
The provision of both a chemical and microbiological analytical
service in the testing of food, water, cosmetics, environmental,
biological samples & miscellaneous samples to HSE Dublin
Mid-Leinster and Dublin North East, National HSE, the Food
Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the EU, Safefood, Local
Authorities, the general public, the food industry, GPs, hospitals.
Reporting
Relationship
Executive Analytical Chemist (Microbiology) reports to:
(i) Public Analyst
(ii) Deputy Public Analyst
Purpose of the Post
Principal Duties and
Responsibilities
To be agreed at job offer stage.
HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster
To work as a team member in providing a microbiological analytical
service to customers of the Public Analyst’s Laboratory Service, for
the protection of Public Health and Consumer protection.
Professional
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
To carry out microbiological analysis and/or the
microscopical examination of any sample of food, water,
cosmetics, drugs, sewage, or articles of miscellaneous
nature.
To use modern, instrumental or classical techniques for
Microbiological 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 LIMS.
To carry out Research and Development of analytical
methods.
To write reports and new analytical methods.
Quality & Audit
(viii)
(ix)
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.
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HR
(x)
(xi)
(xii)
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
(xiii)
(xiv)
(xv)
(xvi)
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.
Assist in observing and ensuring implementation and
adherence to established policies and procedures, such
as health and safety and emergency procedures.
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.
Participate in risk assessment, identify risks and take
appropriate action
Education & Training
(xvii)
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/
or experience,
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.
Please note candidates must attain one set of eligibility criteria,
i.e. that listed under Grade Code 3742 OR Grade Code 3744
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed
application forms for the office:
1.
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
(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
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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.
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.
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.
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
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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)
or
(ii)
or
(iii)
the Chemical or Microscopical Analysis of Food,
Drugs, Water or Effluents,
the Microbiological Examination of Food, Drugs,
Water or Effluent,
the use of Instrumental Techniques that are
employed in the Analysis of Food, Drugs, Water or
Effluents.
Age
Age restriction 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.
Health
Candidates 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
Post Specific
Requirements:
Additional
qualifications and/or
experience required
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good
character.
 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
Skills, competencies
and/or knowledge
n/a
The Executive Analytical Chemist will:







Demonstrate good theoretical and technical knowledge of
microbiological 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 microbiological 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
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







Competition Specific
Selection process
Ranking/Shortlisting
/ Interview
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.
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.
Code of Practice
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.
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.
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HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE
Executive Analytical Chemist (Microbiology)
(Grade Code 3742 and 3744)
Terms and Conditions of Employment
This appointment is permanent, whole-time and pensionable.
Tenure
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.
The Salary scale for the post as of 01/01/11 is:
Remuneration
Executive Analytical Chemist without Branch E Cert (Grade
Code 3742): 42,057; 43,620; 45,184; 46,750; 48,313; 49,879;
51,442; 53,003; 54,572; 56,135; 57,935 LSI; 59,714 LSI.
Executive Analytical Chemist (Advanced Practitioner Grade
Code 3744): 47,396; 49,518; 51,615; 53,735; 55,869; 57,993;
60,075; 62,730 LSI; 64,623 LSI
The standard working week applying to the post is 33.75 hours
Working Week
Annual Leave
Superannuation
Probation
Protection of
Persons Reporting
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service
Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework
for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under
the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to
promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work
agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line
manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between
the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for
extended day services in accordance with the terms of the
Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards
2016).
The annual leave associated with the post is 26 days
The Annual Leave applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job
Offer stage and as determined by the Organisation of Working Time
Act 1997.
Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies
to this appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005
pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to
superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no
less favourable to those to which they were entitled at 31st
December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly
attracted fast accrual of service should note that the terms of
Section 65 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New
Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of the Public
Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer
of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject
to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department
of Health Circular No.10/71.
As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of
Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post
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Child Abuse Act
1998
Infection Control
Ethics
in
Public
Office 1995 and 2001
Positions
remunerated at or
above the minimum
point of the Grade
VIII salary scale (€
64,812 as at 01.01.10)
appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of
the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your
appointment to your current post or for the duration of your
appointment to such other post as is included in the categories
specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information
on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
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.
Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade
VIII salary scale (€ 64,812 as at 01.01.2010) are designated
positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995.
Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with the
requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as
outlined below;
A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act
1995, a person holding such a post is required to prepare and
furnish an annual statement of any interests which could materially
influence the performance of the official functions of the post. This
annual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief
Executive Officer not later than 31st January in the following year.
B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post
is required, whenever they are performing a function as an
employee of the HSE and have actual knowledge, or a connected
person, has a material interest in a matter to which the function
relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest.
A person holding such a post should provide such statement to the
Chief Executive Officer. The function in question cannot be
performed unless there are compelling reasons to do so and, if this
is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and
must be provided to the Chief Executive Officer.
C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in
Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 to act in accordance with any
guidelines or advice published or given by the Standards in Public
Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliance
with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001
are available on the Standards Commission’s website
http://www.sipo.gov.ie/
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