Analytical Geochemist

A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

37 hours a week (this role is laboratory based and requires onsite attendance)

Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham

About the role

BGS has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated scientist to join our Inorganic Geochemistry Laboratories. The role will involve the operation and maintenance of a range of analytical chemistry equipment to generate geochemistry data to satisfy ISO17025 accreditation for BGS science and for external stakeholders on a commercial timescale.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake the reporting of data to clients within the service element of the role and assist in continuing the realignment of the laboratory away from entirely routine analyses to bespoke method development to target research for key UK and international stakeholders. The key duties will include:

1. Wet chemistry dissolution and specialist chemistry extractions (30%).
2. Operation of equipment to ISO17025 requirements, such as Ion Chromatograph, MP-AES (20%).
3. Support to a range of ancillary chemistry techniques (20%).
4. Administration, data reporting, liaison with internal/external clients and partners (15%).
5. Training of students and visitors (10%).
6. Fieldwork in both the UK and/or internationally (5%).

About you

We are looking for a recent graduate with work experience (e.g. sandwich placement) or with a good amount of work experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory operating complex analytical instrumentation.

You should be familiar with the requirements of ISO17025 accreditation for the measurement of environmental samples. A degree (BSc/MSc) in chemistry and/or applied to environmental geochemistry is required from which to develop the candidates’ ability to contribute to new capability via bespoke method development for current and future client needs.

The following specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

Essential

1. First Degree in Chemistry or a related subject (S)
2. Experience in calibrating instrumentation for analysis of environmental samples, with a good amount of experience of working in an accredited laboratory (S)
3. Ability to operate and maintain complex laboratory equipment for environmental sample analyses to ISO17025 requirements (S&I)
4. Demonstrates good team working skills and is self-motivated, capable of working independently and proactively (S&I)
5. Experience in coordinating data from laboratory instruments (S&I)
6. Full driving licence and able to travel off-site occasionally (S)
7. You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Desirable

1. MSc in Chemistry or a related subject (S)
2. Experience in applying environmental geochemistry data to biogeochemistry studies (S&I)
3. Effective written and verbal communication skills (S&I)
4. Ability to empathise with the needs of the business and colleagues and relate this to your support role in the organisation (S&I)

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 1^st June 2025. Interviews are expected to be held between 12 and 17 June in Nottingham.

£31,298. Grade: UKRI Pay Band C/S2