Salary - £50,447 - £53,535
Permanent, full or part-time (>0.8 FTE)
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 Research Chemist specialising in light stable isotopes (C, H, N, O & S) to lead the stable isotope analysis in the 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 seeking a driven and experienced stable isotope specialist with strong, published, expertise in environmental applications who is motivated by both scientific excellence and real-world impact. In this role, you will work in close collaboration with colleagues across UKCEH and the wider scientific community, helping to identify emerging research challenges and shaping compelling ideas that attract funding. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who are excited by the funding and partnership-building aspects of research. You will enjoy seeking out opportunities for collaboration, developing research ideas, writing grant applications, and responding to tenders. Whether through advancing laboratory methodologies, building on existing professional networks, or generating fundable ideas rooted in PhD-level or applied research, you will be resourceful, investigative, and motivated to generate income and impact.
You will thrive in this role if you are ideas-driven, collaborative, and proactive, with a genuine curiosity for solving complex scientific problems. Comfortable working across multiple projects, you will bring a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and personal ownership, alongside the creativity to develop and implement novel analytical approaches and workflows. Innovation is actively encouraged, and your contributions will directly influence the direction and capability of the team.
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:
Deliver and support high-impact scientific outputs, contributing analytical expertise to publications, reports, presentations and other knowledge products.
Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring data quality, ISO 17025 compliance, COSHH requirements, internal audits, equipment development and safe facility management.
Line manage , mentor and develop laboratory staff, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, resilience and a high-performance culture.
We’re looking for a passionate and forward-thinking research chemist to help keep our laboratories and research at the forefront of environmental science. You’ll bring strong skills in method innovation, 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.
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. 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
Onc e 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 significant funding opportunity that you were successful in obtaining, explain the significance of the funding, and the impact it had on your work . What did you do to make sure that your application stood out from others?
Q2. Give an example of a stable isotopic analytical method that you developed or adapted specifically to pursue a new funding opportunity. How was the method adopted by peers, and how did overcome constraints it posed?
Q3. Drawing on your own experience, please describe the networking practices that you have found most effective and how you maintain professional contacts to support future collaborations. In addition, explain how you have communicated and shared your work with the wider scientific community and other stakeholders, providing specific examples of when you have done this successfully. Did these dissemination activities lead to future funding opportunities?
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 inclusion
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.
Our approach to AI and applications
We understand that candidates may use AI tools to support their application. We encourage you to ensure your submission reflects your own experience, skills and suitability for the role. Every application that meets the essential criteria will be reviewed by our recruitment panel.
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.
