Research Associate In Analytical Sciences

University Of Leicester; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Leicester is seeking a Research Associate in Analytical Sciences to join the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability. You will develop and apply analytical methods to study persistent organic chemicals and their metabolites in biological samples, contributing to understanding human exposure and health relevance.

You will design experiments, collect and interpret data, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners, while

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in a relevant discipline and demonstrable expertise in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry or life sciences.
• Experience developing, optimising and validating chromatographic and mass spectrometric analytical methods.
• Strong data collection, analysis skills and a track record of research outputs.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead analytical experiments focused on persistent organic chemicals and metabolites.
• Collect, manage and interpret experimental data, ensuring robust conclusions.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners; contribute to publications and conferences.
• Mentor and guide research staff and students where appropriate.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Environmental chemistry

Toxicology

Education

PhD or nearing completion in relevant discipline

Tools

Chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Job description

About the role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Research Associate in Analytical Sciences to join the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability. You will undertake research focused on developing and applying analytical methods to investigate persistent organic chemicals and their metabolites in biological samples. Your work will contribute to understanding human exposure to different chemicals, associated early biological effects and their potential implications for health. You will take responsibility for elements of the research, including experimental design, data collection, evaluation and interpretation, and will work autonomously to achieve agreed project milestones.
Working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners, you will contribute to the development of innovative analytical approaches and techniques and help disseminate research through journal articles, technical outputs and national and international conferences. You will have opportunities to contribute to future research bids and grants, develop multidisciplinary collaborations and extend your own area of research. You will also provide guidance to research staff and students, contribute to industry collaborations and knowledge exchange, and build networks that support the wider research programme.

About you

You will have a PhD, or be nearing completion, in an appropriate discipline, or possess an equivalent professional qualification and experience, with demonstrable expertise in analytical and/or environmental chemistry, toxicology or life sciences. You will bring practical experience of developing, optimising and validating chromatographic and mass spectrometric analytical methods, together with experience of theoretical and/or laboratory studies and setting up and calibrating analytical instrumentation. You will have strong qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis skills, proven analytical problem-solving capability and evidence of contributing to peer-reviewed publications or equivalent research or technical outputs.
You will be an effective communicator who can explain complex information clearly and work confidently both independently and as part of a collegiate research team. You will be willing to work with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrate continued development of your subject expertise and show a commitment to continuous professional development. Experience of setting up and running biological samples and using qualitative and/or quantitative analysis software would be advantageous, as would the ability to develop new concepts and ideas that extend intellectual understanding.