Analytical Chemist

LGC; Guildford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

LGC, operating the UK’s Official Medicines Control Laboratory for the MHRA at Guildford, seeks an Analytical Chemist to support high‑quality physico‑chemical testing across BPCRS, APIs, medicines, and packaging materials using HPLC, GC, MS, IR/UV, dissolution, and wet chemistry.

You will draft analytical reports, validate data, maintain the ISO/IEC 17025 quality system, perform routine instrument maintenance, and collaborate with Senior Analytical Chemists to achieve KPIs in a safety‑conscious

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemistry (or closely related field) with strong theoretical understanding of HPLC, GC, IR, UV spectrometry and titration.
• Practical experience with at least two analytical techniques.
• Methodical, organized, and accurate laboratory approach.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and good documentation.

Responsibilities

• Draft analytical reports, methods, and safety assessments.
• Run, interpret, and validate analytical data.
• Contribute to ISO/IEC 17025 quality system maintenance.

Skills

HPLC

GC

IR spectroscopy

UV spectroscopy

Titration

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC systems

GC systems

IR spectrometer

UV spectrometer

Raman spectrometer

Dissolution apparatus

Wet chemistry equipment

Job description

Under contract to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), LGC hosts and operates the UK’s combined Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL) for chemical testing and the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Commission Laboratory.

The work of The MHRA Laboratories at LGC helps the MHRA protect public health by ensuring that medicines and healthcare products are safe for those who use them. The laboratories are operated under Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) model at our site in Guildford.

One of The MHRA Laboratory's primary roles is to procure, establish and maintain reference standards (British Pharmacopoeia Chemical Reference Substances - BPCRS). The laboratory also supports the work of the British Pharmacopoeia Commission in establishing methods (known as monographs) for generic medicinal products (including herbals) available in the UK. The monographs established by laboratory staff are subsequently published in the British Pharmacopoeia.

Job Description

Join our team of ~30 Analytical Scientists and play a key role in protecting public health.

We are seeking a skilled Analytical Chemist to support MHRA Laboratories with high-quality physico-chemical testing.

About the Role

In this hands‑on laboratory position, you will analyse a diverse range of samples. These include British Pharmacopoeia Chemical reference substances (BPCRS), Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), over‑the‑counter medicines, antibiotics, herbal products, and packaging materials. You will use techniques such as:

• HPLC and GC
• GC/LC-MS
• Mid-IR, Raman and UV spectroscopy
• Dissolution
• Wet chemistry

This role offers an outstanding opportunity to work with world‑class technology and methodologies, allowing you to determine the composition of various substances with precision. Your work will be pivotal in ensuring high‑quality and accurate results that meet the highest standards of public health protection.

You will also be responsible for:

• Drafting analytical reports, methods, and safety assessments
• Running, interpreting, and validating analytical data
• Contributing to the maintenance of our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited quality system
• Performing routine maintenance, calibration, and daily performance checks on laboratory equipment
• Working independently on projects, coordinating workloads, and supporting Senior Analytical Chemists to achieve key performance indicators
• Supporting wider laboratory operations as required

Your role will be integral to the success of our team. You will strictly follow protocols, apply new methods, and compete to deliver accurate and reliable results. Collaboration is key, and you will play a meaningful role in upholding our outstanding standards.

Qualifications

About You

You will have:

• A degree or equivalent experience in Chemistry (or a closely related field), with a solid theoretical understanding of HPLC, GC, IR, UV spectrometry, and titration (or equivalent)
• Practical experience with at least two of these analytical techniques
• A methodical, organised, and accurate approach to laboratory work
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the tenacity to tackle technical challenges
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to maintain clear, detailed, and accurate records
• A dedication to maintaining a clean, safe, and well‑organised work environment

Your proven analytical skills and ambition will be vital in driving our research forward. We value meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative spirit that fosters innovation and excellence. Your contributions will be instrumental in achieving our mission to safeguard public health through rigorous scientific analysis. This is an outstanding opportunity to grow with us and make a lasting impact in the field of analytical chemistry!

Additional Information

ABOUT LGC:

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission‑critical components and solutions into high‑growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high‑quality product portfolio is comprised of mission‑critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.

LGC’s National Laboratories deliver a range of expert science functions and services in partnership with the UK Government, business, healthcare, and academia. We manage and operate several national laboratories on behalf of government agencies, such as the UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML), MHRA Laboratories Team and National Reference Laboratories, as well as hosting the unique function of the ‘Government Chemist’.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website National Laboratories & Science - LGC

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