Senior Analyst (GC-MS)
Senior GC-MS Analytical Chemist – Shape the Future of Environmental Analysis
Join Tetra Tech’s expanding Bedford laboratory and take a senior role in advanced GC-MS analysis, method development and technical leadership within a growing, well-invested environmental testing team.
Purpose and Scope of the Role
You will help lead the GC section within a purpose-built Bedford laboratory of around 100 scientists and support staff, delivering accredited analytical services for clients across water, utilities, environmental, agrochemical and defence sectors.
The laboratory has grown significantly over the last five years, with continued investment in facilities, people and instrumentation. You will work with more than 17 instruments, including multiple Agilent GC-MS, Agilent GC-QQQ, Agilent/Gerstel Headspace GC-MS, Agilent GC-FID and Agilent/Ellutia GC-TEA systems. Sample types include water, wastewater, sediment, sewage sludge and food.
The role combines senior technical delivery, analyst support, method development, validation, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, quality assurance and client-focused project delivery.
Your Impact in this Position
In the short term, you will support the stability, quality and throughput of the GC section. Over the medium term, you will lead continuous method development and validation, improve sensitivity and productivity, and support ISO 17025 and MCERTS accreditation activity.
Longer term, you will help shape future analytical services, mentor developing scientists and progress towards Principal Scientist, Section Head or wider laboratory leadership roles. You will join a collaborative, inclusive culture that values innovation, technical excellence and new ideas.
Core Capabilities
Advanced GC-MS Expertise
- Run, maintain and troubleshoot GC-MS, GC-QQQ, GC-TOF or similar mass spectrometry instrumentation in a high-throughput environmental laboratory.
Method Development and Validation
- Develop, optimise and validate analytical methods, supporting ISO 17025 and MCERTS accreditation requirements.
Quality and Compliance
- Apply strong knowledge of accredited laboratory systems, quality control, data integrity and non-conformance resolution.
Technical Leadership
- Guide analysts and extraction chemists, support workload prioritisation and help maintain consistent, timely delivery.
Project and Client Delivery
- Manage analytical workflows, communicate technical information clearly and contribute to successful delivery of complex environmental programmes.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
You will hold a BSc in Chemistry or a related subject and have experience in an accredited ISO 17025 environmental testing laboratory. Experience running GC-MS, GC-QQQ and GC-TOF or similar MS instrumentation is expected, alongside proven method development and validation capability. Project management, commercial awareness and experience supporting prospective clients or identifying chargeable activity would be desirable.
Work Patterns and Location
This is a full-time, Bedford-based laboratory role, with regular on-site attendance required to support instrumentation, team leadership and operational delivery.
Benefits and Development
Tetra Tech offers private healthcare, a business performance-based bonus, a generous pension scheme, an employee wellbeing programme and mental health support. You will also have access to mentoring, leadership development and management training to support progression into Principal Scientist, Section Head or wider laboratory leadership roles. #LI-SY1 #Laboratories
Why join Tetra Tech?
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.
We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.
