We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
UKCEH is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land, water and air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet.
We have an exciting opportunity for a n Organics Research Chemist to join our Analytical Chemistry team in Lancaster, within the acclaimed Environmental Pressures and Responses Group. This multidisciplinary team is at the forefront of understanding how pollution, land-use change, and climate pressures affect ecosystems. Working across air, land, and water, we generate high-quality evidence that directly informs action on environmental change.
We are looking for a motivated analytical chemist with strong expertise in environmental o rganic analysis (with expertise in GC - MS / MS, LC-MS / MS and/or GC/LC- Q- TOF) , who is driven by scientific excellence and real-world impact. In this role, you will collaborate widely across UKCEH and the broader scientific community, helping to shape innovative research ideas and secure funding.
You will thrive if you are creative, collaborative, and proactive, bringing accuracy, curiosity, and a passion for solving complex problems. Innovation is encouraged, and your analytical insight will directly enhance the team’s capability. We are particularly interested in chemists who enjoy developing research ideas, building partnerships, writing grant applications, and seeking funding opportunities. If you are enthusiastic about advancing analytical methodologies while generating income and impact, we would love to hear from you.
Your main responsibilities will include:
Contributing to, and leading where appropriate , high-impact scientific outputs, providing analytical data and methodological content for peer-reviewed publications, customer reports, presentations, and book or book chapters.
Training, mentoring, and supervising laboratory staff, supporting skills development and maintaining high technical standards across the team.
Managing laboratory operations, including responsibility for the safe use of facilities, compliance with COSHH, and day-to-day lab management.
Our Lancaster laboratories have achieved the highest certification (Gold) under the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), the world’s largest green laboratory certification scheme.
In this role, you will join a well-established team working in world-class laboratories, equipped with cutting-edge analytical instrumentation, advanced methodologies, and comprehensive sample preparation facilities. You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, innovative analytical data, including delivery of high-quality analyses , supporting a wide range of impactful projects.
For the role of Research Chemist, we’re looking for somebody who has:
Proven experience in environmental chemical analyses with working knowledge of organic techniques, such as GC - MS, GC-MS / MS, Pyrolys i s GC-MS, LC - MS / MS, GC/LC- Q- TOF and extractions (incl. method development and optimisation) and use of SPEs.
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.
How to apply and what happens next
If you’re interested in this role, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be directed to our Workday portal where you’ll create an account and upload your CV and your responses to the questions below (approx. 8 mins). Your responses are an important part of our assessment process, so please take the time to complete them thoughtfully:
Use clear, concise examples that demonstrate your personal contribution, relevant skills, qualifications (if applicable ) and impact
Once submitted , our panel will review your application, and please be assured that we are committed to providing an outcome for all applicants, regardless of the result.
Q1 - Describe a funding opportunity (grant, bid, or tender) that you have either personally pursued or identified as a strong prospect. Explain how you came across the opportunity, what indicated to you that it was worth pursuing, and why you prioritised it. Finally, how did you develop a competitive proposal for such an opportunity.
Q 2 - Give an example where you developed, adapted, or proposed a new organic analytical method to meet a scientific or project need. What constraints did you face, how did you overcome them, and what were the outcomes? Did this work open new avenues for you or your groups work?
Q3 - Drawing on your own experience, please describe the networking practices that you have found most effective and how you maintain professional relationships for future collaboration. How do you communicate and share your work with the wider scientific community and other stakeholders? Please provide specific examples of when you have done this successfully.
Working at UKCEH is genuinely rewarding
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment to prosper and informs decisions that benefit society as a whole .
We’re proud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it. You’ll be supported to develop your career, grow your skills and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services
Our Commitment to i nclusion
At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.
A note on sponsorship
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
