XRF Chemist

Msalabs; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

MSALABS is seeking an XRF Chemist to join a production laboratory in Plymouth, UK. The role focuses on XRF analysis of geological samples, including preparation of pressed pellets and fused beads, and operating Malvern Panalytical XRF platforms such as Axios, Zetium, or Epsilon.

You will ensure QA/QC, method validation, and timely turnaround in a high-throughput setting. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field with at least 3 years of laboratory experience,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field.
• Experience in ISO/IEC 17025 laboratories desirable; familiarity with UKAS, method validation, proficiency testing, measurement uncertainty, document control and corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze production and geological samples by XRF.
• Prepare pressed pellets and fused beads; grind, weigh, flux and fuse as needed.
• Operate and maintain EDXRF and WDXRF instruments; monitor performance and calibrations.
• Review and validate analytical results prior to release.
• Manage QA/QC, CRMs, blanks, duplicates, controls and calibration standards; investigate QC issues.
• Support calibration development, method optimization and validation.

Skills

XRF

Pellet prep

Fused beads

QA/QC

UKAS/ISO17025

Health & safety

Malvern Panalytical

EDXRF/WDXRF

Analytical problem solving

3+ years experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Chemical Engineering (related)

Tools

Malvern Panalytical equipment (Axios/Zetium/Epsilon)

XR instruments maintenance

Job description

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Are you a results-oriented leader with a passion for laboratory operations, quality control, and continuous improvement? Ready to take your career to the next level in a fast-paced, growing organization?

Join MSALABS and play a pivotal role in managing logistics, inventory operational efficiency, and delivering high-quality analytical services to clients across the globe.

About MSALABS:

MSALABS is a global provider of geochemical laboratory services for the exploration and mining industries. We deliver a complete range of analytical services from greenfields exploration through to mine closure, including laboratory management, onsite services, and sample preparation.

We are currently seeking XRF Chemist to join an operating production laboratory supporting a mining operation in the Plymouth area.

Position : XRF Chemist

Location: Plymouth UK

Responsibilities and Authorities

• Preparation and analysis of production and geological samples by XRF.
• Preparation of pressed pellets and fused beads, including grinding, weighing, fluxing and fusion.
• Operation and routine maintenance of EDXRF and WDXRF instruments, preferably Malvern Panalytical systems.
• Monitoring instrument performance, calibrations, drift and analytical stability.
• Review and validation of analytical results before release.
• Management and interpretation of laboratory QA/QC, including CRMs, blanks, duplicates, control samples and calibration standards.
• Investigation of QC failures, analytical trends and instrument performance issues.
• Support for calibration development, method optimization and validation.
• Routine troubleshooting and coordination with equipment suppliers or service engineers where required.
• Maintaining sample traceability, laboratory records, LIMS data and equipment maintenance logs.
• Supporting production turnaround requirements while maintaining analytical quality.
• Working closely with laboratory technicians, metallurgists, geologists and processing personnel.

Knowledge, Training and Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Experience within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory is highly desirable, particularly familiarity with UKAS requirements, method validation, proficiency testing, measurement uncertainty, document control and corrective actions.

The role requires a strong health and safety focus and practical awareness of the hazards associated with industrial laboratory operations, including crushing and grinding equipment, high-temperature fusion furnaces, chemicals, compressed gases and analytical instrumentation.

The ideal candidate will be practical, technically capable and comfortable taking ownership of XRF operations within a production laboratory. Strong analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to maintain quality standards while meeting operational turnaround targets are essential.

Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting with proficiency in analytical instruments, preferably in the mining or mineral processing industry.
• Candidates with previous experience in a mining, mineral processing or geochemistry laboratory will be particularly well suited to the role.
• Experience analyzing ores, concentrates, process samples, tailings or related geological materials would be advantageous. Candidates from other relevant disciplines, including geology, metallurgy, cement, aggregates, construction materials or inorganic analytical laboratories, will also be considered where they have strong XRF experience.
• The successful candidate should have strong practical experience with XRF sample preparation and analysis, including the preparation of pressed powder pellets and fused glass beads, together with hands-on experience operating EDXRF and/or WDXRF instrumentation.
• Experience with Malvern Panalytical equipment is strongly preferred, particularly instruments such as Axios, Zetium, Epsilon or comparable Panalytical XRF platforms. ( Malvern Panalytical WDXRF or EDXRF systems.)
• The role will be responsible for routine XRF analysis, sample preparation, quality control and technical support within a high-throughput production environment. Familiarity with instrument setup, calibration, drift correction, maintenance, troubleshooting and associated analytical software would be highly advantageous.
• Mining, geochemistry or mineral-processing laboratories.
• Pressed pellet and fused bead preparation.
• ISO/IEC 17025 / UKAS laboratory systems.

Like to know more? Check out www.msalabs.com

MSALABS is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage everyone to apply.