Senior Scientist - Method Development

LGC; Fordham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A world-class testing laboratory based in Fordham is looking for an experienced Senior Scientist to join their Supplements and Feeds team. The role involves method development, optimisation, and the validation of analytical techniques, with responsibilities including training junior staff and enhancing laboratory processes. Candidates should have at least a BSc in Chemistry and proven chromatographic skills. The position offers the chance to contribute to high standards in anti-doping and safety testing.

Qualifications

• Established experience of working within a commercial laboratory.
• Proven track record with regards to planning and leading method development activities.
• Comprehensive understanding of ISO17025 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimise, and validate analytical methods for human nutritional supplements and animal feed.
• Become an expert user of analytical instrumentation (GC-MS, LC-MS).
• Interpret and report complex analytical data clearly.

Skills

Chromatographic skills (LC-MS, GC-MS)

Experience with high‑resolution accurate mass (HRAM)

Troubleshooting skills

Planning and organizational skills

Ability to work in cross‑functional teams

Strong training and teamwork skills

Education

Minimum of BSc in Chemistry or equivalent

Job description

Company Description

LGC ASSURE Sports & Specialised Analytical Services is an internationally recognised world‑class testing laboratory, that specialises in banned substance and anti‑doping testing. We operate in 3 key categories: Animal sports medication and doping control, Human drug testing, and Supplement testing and product certification.

Job Description

Do you seek to make an impact in the world of analytical chemistry? We have an opportunity for an experienced Senior Scientist to join our dynamic team. Based in Fordham, Cambridgeshire, you will undertake and support Method Development activities within our Supplements and Feeds team. You will play a pivotal role in supporting our CI (Continuous Improvement) programmes, developing analytical methodology and procedures, to keep pace with evolving doping threats, new sample matrices and changing analytical technology. Our testing and "Informed" certification programmes support elite athletes, manufacturers, and general consumers, ensuring outstanding standards of quality and safety.

Tasks include

• The development, optimisation and validation of analytical methods specifically for the analysis of prohibited substances within human nutritional supplement and animal feed sample matrices.
• Familiarisation with current routine screening procedures including sample extractions (mainly SPE and LLE techniques) and analysis using GC-MS / MS, LC-MS / MS and LC-HRAM-MS to a level where you are able to troubleshoot problems as and when required.
• Become an expert user of high‑spec analytical instrumentation covering the techniques GC-MS / MS, LC-MS / MS and LC-HRAM-MS (Orbitrap) with the ability to enhance / develop methods as required.
• Interpretation and reporting of complex analytical data with clarity and scientific vigour.
• Presentation of scientific data (both written and presented) to senior management, providing scientifically sound recommendations and conclusions where required.
• Train and mentor other team members, with a particular focus on enhancing the knowledge and experience of junior scientists.
• Support the assessment and implementation of new technologies, performing robust and thorough method transfer / validation activities as and when required.
• Support the laboratory’s drive for Right First Time by actively seeking out continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of BSc in Chemistry (or equivalent experience) and established experience of working within a commercial laboratory.
• Established and proven chromatographic skills with regards to LC-MS and / or GC-MS techniques.
• Experience with high‑resolution accurate mass (HRAM) – desirable.
• An established understanding and experience of common extraction techniques SPE and LLE.
• Experience and proven track record with regards to planning and leading method development activities.
• A comprehensive understanding of ISO17025 requirements with the ability to incorporate requirements into validation programmes.
• Strong understanding of method development principles.
• Proven troubleshooting skills – both with regards to extraction and instrumental techniques.
• An ability to work independently and in cross‑functional teams.
• Strong training and teamworking skills to support technology and method transfer activities.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, including attention to detail.

Additional Information

Our Values:

• Passion: Pride in our achievements engenders passion for our work and it translates into our ambition to make the world a safer place.
• Curiosity: We constantly look forward to what’s next: our curiosity for today’s discoveries makes tomorrow’s innovations possible.
• Integrity: A commitment to high ethical standards has been at the heart of LGC since we started testing the integrity of products in 1842.
• Brilliance: We strive to be the very best in everything we say and do. We exceed customers' expectations through innovation and pioneering science.
• Respect: We respect gender, age, nationality, religion and individuality – our diversity is our strength.

We deliver world‑class solutions and foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive and achieve their full potential!

We are committed to ensuring that every job applicant and employee is valued for their individual talents. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or parental status, religion, or belief. We proudly support an inclusive work environment where everyone can compete and succeed based on their merits.

For more information about us, please visit our website