Analytical Geochemist

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Nottingham is seeking an Analytical Geochemist. The role involves operating analytical equipment, generating geochemistry data, and method development. Ideal for recent graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fields. Competitive salary and benefits package offered, including a pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Pension scheme

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory.
• Familiar with ISO17025 requirements for environmental samples.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain analytical chemistry equipment.
• Generate geochemistry data for ISO17025 accreditation.
• Report data to clients and assist in method development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related subject

Tools

Analytical chemistry equipment

Job description

Job Description

Analytical Geochemist at Natural Environment Research Council (NERC); this vacancy is located in Nottingham, United Kingdom. Open to graduates with a Bachelor Degree. This specialist role is in the field of geochemistry.

Job Responsibility

Analytical Geochemist

BGS INORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY LABORATORIES

Grade: UKRI Pay Band C/S2

Salary: £31,298 per annum

A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an employer contribution around 27%), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time - 37 hours a week (a range of flexible working options may be available; role is laboratory based and requires onsite attendance)

Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham

Closing date: Sunday 1 June 2025

About the role

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

The successful candidate will report data to clients within the service element of the role and assist in realigning the laboratory from routine analyses to tailored method development for key UK and international collaborators. You should be willing to develop your own science capability and method development. Key duties/responsibilities include:

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

About you

We are looking for a recent graduate with work experience (e.g., sandwich placement) or substantial experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory operating sophisticated analytical instrumentation.

You should be familiar with ISO17025 requirements for environmental samples. A degree (BSc/MSc) in chemistry and/or environmental geochemistry is required to support tailored method development for current and future client needs.

You will have opportunities to develop problem-solving skills by creating analytical solutions for clients and coordinating data from different instruments for biogeochemistry studies with QA requirements. The role may include occasional travel overseas or within the UK to assist field teams or deliver training.

The following essential and desirable skills will be assessed at shortlist (S), interview (I), or both (S&I).

Essential

• First Degree in Chemistry or a related subject (S)
• Experience calibrating instrumentation for environmental samples and working in an accredited laboratory (S)
• Ability to operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment to ISO17025 requirements (S&I)
• Good teamwork, self-motivation, independent and proactive work (S&I)
• Experience coordinating data from laboratory instruments (S&I)
• Full driving licence and ability to travel off-site occasionally (S)
• Committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Desirable

• MSc in Chemistry or a related subject (S)
• Experience applying environmental geochemistry data to biogeochemistry studies (S&I)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills (S&I)
• Ability to understand business needs and support the organisation (S&I)

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UKRI and is affiliated to NERC. It is a world-leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government on science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research for earth and environmental issues in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

Our Core Values and commitment to equality and diversity underpin our drive to improve scientific and organisational efficiency. We aim to have a workforce with diverse backgrounds. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.

How to apply

Applicants should include a CV and covering letter outlining suitability for the role. A well-thought-out application with evidence of meeting essential and desirable criteria will be considered more favourably than a generic CV.

If you experience issues applying, please contact [e-mail].

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

About The British Geological Survey (BGS) and UKRI: The BGS is part of UKRI and affiliated to NERC. It provides core science and applied research globally. More information at www.ukri.org. UKRI benefits include a defined benefit pension, holiday entitlement, discounts, and a cycle-to-work scheme. Security screening may be required.

Disability Confident Employer We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and provide reasonable accommodation during the process. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Keywords: Nottingham jobs

Closed Date: 2025-11-05