Scientist - Analytical Chemistry Method Development

FERA SCIENCE LTD; Bradford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food safety organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Scientist (Method Development) to lead analytical method development and validation projects. The role involves managing bespoke testing projects, driving innovation in research, and collaborating with teams to transform analytical results into commercial solutions. Applicants should have an MSc in Chemistry or related field with hands-on experience in analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, MS, and FTIR. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including flexible working hours and generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

Salary between £30,000 - £40,000

25 days' holiday, rising to 29

Flexible working hours

On-site gym and restaurant

Company matched pension

Life assurance

Employee network groups

Long Term Incentive Plan

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques and wet chemistry sample prep.
• Proven track record in method development, optimisation, and validation.
• Strong project management skills and collaborative attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead method development and validation projects for food safety.
• Manage testing and R&D projects to ISO17025 standards.
• Drive innovation by identifying new research areas.

Skills

Analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, MS, FTIR)

Sample preparation

Project management

Proposal writing

Education

MSc in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Join us as a Senior Scientist (Method Development) and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity! As a Senior Scientist, you'll lead method development and validation projects that protect consumers and ensure the authenticity of food. This is your opportunity to work at the forefront of analytical science and influence industry standards. What you'll be doing:

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, development, and validation of analytical methods for foodstuffs, food contact materials (FCMs), and related matrices using advanced techniques (GC, HPLC, MS, FTIR).
• Manage bespoke testing and R&D projects to ISO17025 standards, delivering results on time and to the highest quality.
• Drive innovation by identifying new research areas and preparing high-quality proposals for funding.
• Represent Fera at conferences and in publications, showcasing cutting‑edge science.
• Collaborate with business development teams to transform research into commercial solutions.

Qualifications

• MSc (or higher) in Chemistry or related field, or significant equivalent experience.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, MS, FTIR) and wet chemistry sample prep.
• Proven track record in method development, optimisation, and validation (including SOP preparation).
• Strong project management and proposal writing skills.
• Knowledge of food safety, quality and authenticity regulations (desirable).
• Self‑motivated, collaborative, and able to manage multiple projects effectively.

Benefits

• Salary between £30,000 - £40,000 dependent on experience.
• 25 days' holiday (rising to 29) with the opportunity to buy extra leave.
• Flexible working hours, on‑site gym, restaurant, and free parking.
• The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice.
• Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks' fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks…and plenty more.
• Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle – from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology.
• Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform.
• Fera operates a LTIP (Long Term Incentive Plan) under which all employees are awarded points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust on an annual basis. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employees; at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value.