Calum Mcomish Email & Phone Number

Reading, Reading, United Kingdom

Reading, United Kingdom

I have been in charge of the running of the Metals laboratory at RSSL since 2013. The laboratory provides support to a range of food, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies in the detection and quantification of metals to trace and ultra trace levels in raw materials, finished products and packaging materials as well as supporting with production issues. The laboratory is purpose-built and is equipped with a full suite of complementary atomic spectroscopy instrumentation including ICP-MS, ICP-QQQ, ICP-OES, AAS (flame, graphite furnace and hydride generation) and MP-AES.I am responsible for the management and development of a team of 8 scientific staff of varying levels, contract management assuring clients’ expectations are met, maintenance and progression of laboratory quality systems, maintenance of the health and safety programme, budgetary responsibilities (in excess of £0.9M) and development and execution of the laboratory's growth strategy.

I spent 10 years working in the Microscopy laboratory where I progressed from Senior Technician up to Senior Scientist. I specialised in the analysis and identification of foreign material for clients in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. My experience covered a range of techniques including light microscopy, SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray microanalysis and X-ray microfluorescence. I played a key role in the smooth running of the department and was responsible for training new and junior members of staff. I enjoyed interacting with customers and resolving their contamination problems/issues.