Senior Analyst (Inorganics)

RPS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Analyst to join their Bedford Laboratory. This full-time role involves hands-on work with advanced analytical instruments, managing method development, and ensuring high-quality results. You will collaborate with clients to design tailored analytical programs while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Join a high-caliber team dedicated to solving complex analytical challenges within a state-of-the-art facility. This position offers a clear career pathway and opportunities for professional growth in an innovative and supportive environment.

Benefits

Personal development plan

Flexible working arrangements

Work-life balance

Career pathway support

Qualifications

• Experience in an accredited analytical lab, preferably in environmental/water sectors.
• Knowledge of environmental contaminants/testing methods is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Follow established procedures for trace analysis on water and wastewater.
• Coordinate with extraction chemists to prepare samples as per specifications.
• Lead projects including method development and validation.

Skills

Chemistry

Analytical Skills

Time Management

Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

BSc in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Discrete Analyzers

Flow Injection Analyzers

TOC/TN Analyzers

Skalar

Smart Chem

MS Office

Job description

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RPS is looking for a Senior Analyst to join our Laboratory in Bedford. This is a full-time, permanent analytical role based in the Inorganic section.

This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with advanced instruments, playing a key part in delivering high-quality analytical results. You’ll be responsible for managing method development, sample analysis, scheduling instrument time efficiently, and managing extraction chemists and analysts to ensure smooth operations.

Additionally, you will review results, identify anomalies, review non-conforming work, and support your team to maintain our lab’s rigorous quality standards.

About The Team

We are a high-calibre scientific team of Analysts, Chemists, and Technicians operating from purpose-built laboratory facilities with a long history of providing expert advice and analytical solutions to sectors including water, utilities, agrochemicals, and defence. Our laboratories are internationally reputed for solving complex analytical problems and conducting large-scale monitoring programs such as the UK’s Chemical Investigations Programme.

The Bedford Laboratory features a state-of-the-art analytical facility renowned for ultra-trace analysis of emerging and priority pollutants. It was among the first UK laboratories to gain UKAS accreditation for PFAS chemicals analysis post-Buncefield oil fire in 2005. The lab employs around 100 scientists and support staff, equipped with the latest instrumentation to push detection limits and measure low pollutant levels in environmental matrices.

About You

Your role as a Senior Analyst is crucial in conducting investigations and providing solutions to help clients meet environmental standards (EQS) and residue limits (MRLs). You will collaborate with clients to design tailored analytical programs, leveraging advanced instrumentation, and support method development and optimization to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

Your Responsibilities

• Follow established procedures for trace analysis on matrices such as water, sewage sludge, and wastewater treatment outputs.
• Coordinate with extraction chemists to prepare samples according to client specifications.
• Operate instruments like discrete analyzers, flow injection analyzers, and TOC/TN analyzers.
• Provide training and mentorship within the section.
• Prepare samples, solutions, and reagents following standard protocols.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical equipment.
• Lead projects including method development and validation.
• Process and interpret results for entry into LIMS.
• Ensure quality reports and PT data are completed per accreditation standards.

Skills, Knowledge, And Experience

• BSc in Chemistry or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in an accredited analytical lab, preferably in environmental/water sectors.
• Experience with discrete analyzers and sample prep techniques for environmental matrices.
• Flexible analytical approach capable of high throughput in fast-paced settings.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of environmental contaminants/testing methods is desirable.
• Experience with Skalar, Smart Chem, and MS Office is a plus.

What’s in it for you?

A personal development plan and clear career pathway, with support to grow professionally. Join us and be part of impactful solutions.

Why RPS?

We foster a collaborative community, supporting flexible working arrangements, and valuing work-life balance. Our offices are designed to facilitate both collaboration and social connection.

About RPS, a Tetra Tech Company

RPS, part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, is a global firm delivering projects in urbanization, natural resources, and sustainability. With a team of 28,000 across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we create lasting value through innovative solutions.

We offer market-leading opportunities for growth and development, driven by our people’s success.

Next Steps

If you match our criteria, we will contact you for a competency interview. Please prepare your CV and apply online. All applications are considered.

Note: We work with a Preferred Supplier List for recruitment agencies. Unsolicited CVs from non-listed agencies are not acknowledged.