Environmental Analytical Chemist & Laboratory Coordinator

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is seeking an Environmental Analytical Chemist to lead a lab team focused on air quality research. The successful candidate will manage laboratory operations, mentor staff, and ensure adherence to ISO standards while contributing to impactful environmental science projects. With a strong foundation in analytical chemistry and prior management experience, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality data and fostering a culture of excellence within a supportive work environment. Join us in making a difference by shaping innovative scientific approaches to environmental challenges.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus 3 days for Christmas closure

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Dental insurance and fitness discounts

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

24/7 support for health and financial issues

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory management and analytical method development.
• Familiarity with ISO-accredited environments and health & safety protocols.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of lab staff in the ammonia sampler lab.
• Manage laboratory operations to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Coordinate project delivery and stakeholder communications.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Project Management

Team Leadership

Data Quality Assurance

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

BSc in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry

Job description

Salary - £37,405 - £39,694
Permanent
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.Please note that interviews will take place mid-July 2025.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and people-focused Environmental Analytical Chemist to join the Air Quality, Impacts and Responses Group at our Edinburgh site. This role is ideal for an experienced and passionate manager who’s ready to make their mark - offering the chance to lead a high-performing laboratory team, shape essential environmental science, and develop a rewarding career within UKCEH.

You’ll take the lead of our Ammonia Air Quality Lab – a small but close-knit team of five who play a vital role in supporting national research into land-atmosphere interactions. Through the preparation and analysis of air samplers (CEH ALPHA and DELTA systems: Air sampler systems for environmental monitoring | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology), this team enables science with real-world impact, including innovations in laboratory techniques that support our wider atmospheric research. As their manager, you’ll guide and support the team to thrive, encouraging individual strengths and fostering a collaborative and inclusive working culture.

This is a role that sits at the intersection of science and leadership. You’ll be responsible for managing laboratories, resources, data and processes to ensure the successful delivery of complex projects. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation and build meaningful relationships with stakeholders, including clients such as the Environment Agency, to ensure we deliver value and quality at every step. Your ability to prioritise, navigate competing demands, and maintain high standards will be essential, as will your commitment to supporting others to do the same.

Building on this, you’ll also take a leading role in shaping and co-ordinating laboratory management at our Edinburgh site. Working in close partnership with local Laboratory Managers, peers across other UKCEH locations, and central services teams, you’ll help ensure our research is delivered to the highest quality within our ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 accredited systems. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence how we work, co-design organisational processes, and champion best practice in lab operations, making a lasting impact on the way we support and deliver our science.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• People Management – Lead and support a team of five lab staff, enabling them to play to their strengths and deliver a high-quality ammonia sampler lab service. You’ll foster a positive, supportive environment that contributes to wider science delivery at the Edinburgh site.
• Laboratory Oversight – Work alongside lab managers, researchers, students and central services to promote a culture of safety, quality, and collaboration. You’ll help ensure our labs operate in line with best practice, compliance, and accreditation standards – essential for our research and funding.
• Project Delivery – Manage and contribute to laboratory-based projects that align with UKCEH’s strategic objectives. You’ll work with project managers to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high scientific standard.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Act as the main point of contact for our air quality lab service, managing stakeholder communications and enquiries.
• Service Delivery – Lead the laboratory team in delivering all aspects of the sampler service - including cleaning, preparation, logistics, sample receipt and analytical chemistry – to consistent high technical and operational standards.
• Data Quality and Impact – Produce and publish high-quality ammonia air concentration datasets, using robust data processing and quality assurance protocols.

We’re looking for someone with a solid foundation in analytical chemistry, coupled with experience in laboratory and people management. You’ll be confident leading teams and processes in a busy, evolving environment, and bring a proactive, solutions-focused approach to your work. Experience in delivering commercial laboratory services and working within ISO-accredited systems will be highly valued, as will an understanding of health and safety, project management, and stakeholder engagement. A genuine interest in environmental science is essential - and if you have knowledge or experience in air quality or atmospheric chemistry, even better.

This is more than just a management role – it’s an opportunity to shape the way we deliver critical science, influence how we work, and grow your career within one of the UK’s leading environmental research organisations. If you're ready to bring your expertise, energy and leadership to a role that really matters, we’d love to hear from you.

For the role of Environmental Analytical Chemist, we’re looking for someone who brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the lab. Ideally, you will have:

• A BSc in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline, with hands-on experience in analytical chemistry within a laboratory environment
• A strong grasp of analytical method development and the ability to troubleshoot instrumentation confidently
• Proven experience as a capable and supportive manager, confident in leading and developing a team
• Exposure to project management and health & safety responsibilities within a lab setting
• A background in delivering commercial lab services, with an understanding of client needs and service standards
• Experience working within ISO-accredited environments (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001)
• A genuine interest in environmental science and research - and if you have a focus or demonstrable interest in air quality, even better!

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)

• Peer reward and recognition scheme

• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note: 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.