Analytical Chemist

Salary - £37,405 - £39,694

Permanent

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

Our Analytical Chemistry team in Lancaster are looking for an experienced Research Chemist (Stable Isotopes) to join them in our acclaimed Environmental Pressures and Responses Group – a team which is at the forefront of understanding how pollution, land use change, and climate impacts affect ecosystems. Working across air, land, and water, we deliver vital evidence to inform action on environmental change.

This is an exciting opportunity to secure a permanent role within a well-established team, working in world-class laboratories equipped with cutting-edge analytical instruments and advanced sample preparation technologies. You’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality, UKAS-accredited (ISO17025:2017) analytical data that underpins a wide range of innovative environmental research. We’re looking for a specialist in light stable isotopes (¹⁵N, ¹³C, ³⁴S, ¹⁸O, ²H) with proven expertise in their analysis and application across disciplines such as ecology, heritage science, or related fields – someone ready to make a real impact through science that matters.

Our isotope laboratory has recently benefited from major investment in state-of-the-art instrumentation, significantly enhancing our analytical capabilities. The lab is equipped for a wide range of isotopic analyses, including bulk material analysis (EA-IRMS), trace gas detection (Precon-IRMS), dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (Iso-TOC), and compound-specific analysis (GC-C-IRMS). We also use advanced cavity ring-down spectroscopy for precise measurement of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in water, vegetation, and other samples – providing a powerful platform for cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Provide leadership within the team, taking on line management or supervisory responsibilities to support staff development, foster collaboration, and maintain a high-performance culture.

• Operate within the laboratory’s ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality management system and serve as the Technical Manager for stable isotope analyses.

• Develop and refine cutting-edge stable isotope methodologies to keep our laboratories at the forefront of analytical science.

• Perform advanced analyses of stable isotopes (EA-IRMS), trace gases (Precon-IRMS), dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (Iso-TOC), and compound-specific isotope analysis (GC-C-IRMS).

• Prepare and submit research funding grant applications, build partnerships, and explore opportunities to support ongoing and future research initiatives.

• Collaborate with the research team to deliver high-impact science through written reports and oral presentations.

• Oversee laboratory operations, including instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, procurement of supplies and equipment, and day-to-day management to ensure a safe, efficient, and high-performing research environment.

We’re looking for a passionate and forward-thinking research chemist to help keep our laboratories at the forefront of environmental science. This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone with expertise in environmental or occupational chemical analysis and practical experience using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), alongside platforms such as Qtegra, IonVantage, and IonOS.

You’ll bring strong skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and the preparation of reports, publications, and project proposals. Just as importantly, we’re seeking someone who is committed to their own professional development and eager to support and mentor others – whether that’s managing team members or guiding students - as we continue to build a collaborative and forward-looking research environment.

For the role of Research Chemist, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• Completed a PhD (or holds equivalent experience) in environmental chemistry or a closely related field, ideally with a solid understanding of ecological systems
• Hands-on experience working in a fast-paced, research-focused laboratory environment with expertise in the development and application of stable isotope methods
• A track record of producing high-quality, reliable, and reproducible data
• A sound understanding of health and safety best practices, including safe handling and storage of chemicals and gases
• A proactive commitment to sustainability in day-to-day laboratory work
• (Desirable) Experience in securing external research funding or contributing to successful grant applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in presenting scientific findings
• Excellent organisational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks independently and within a team
• A flexible and solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to adapt to evolving priorities

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note:

We welcome applications from international candidates, this role is open for sponsorship and may also qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. Additionally, if you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.