Analytical Geochemist

Analytical Geochemist

BGS INORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY LABORATORIES

Grade: UKRI Pay Band C/S2

Salary: £31,298 per annum

A great benefits package is offered!, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (a range of flexible working options may be available, but this role is laboratory based and requires onsite attendance)

Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham

Closing date: Sunday 1 June 2025

About the role

BGS has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated scientist to join our Inorganic Geochemistry Laboratories. The role will involve the operation and maintenance of a range of analytical chemistry equipment to generate geochemistry data to satisfy ISO17025 accreditation for BGS science and for external stakeholders on a commercial timescale.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake the reporting of data to clients within the service element of the role and assist in continuing the realignment of the laboratory away from entirely routine analyses to tailored method development to target research for key UK and international collaborators, therefore, you must have the desire and willingness to develop your own science capability along with method development. The key duties/responsibilities of the role will include:

• Wet chemistry dissolution and specialist chemistry extractions (30%).
• Operation of equipment to ISO17025 requirements, such as Ion Chromatograph, MP-AES (20%).
• Support to a range of ancillary chemistry techniques (20%).
• Administration, data reporting, liaison with internal/external clients and partners (15%).
• Training of students and visitors (10%).
• Fieldwork in both the UK and/or internationally (5%).

About you

We are looking for a recent graduate with work experience (e.g. sandwich placement) or with a good amount of work experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory operating sophisticated analytical instrumentation.

You should be familiar with the requirements of ISO17025 accreditation for the measurement of environmental samples. A degree (BSc/MSc) in chemistry and/or applied to environmental geochemistry is required from which to develop the candidates’ ability to assist with new capability via tailored method development for current and future client needs.

You will also get the opportunity to develop your problem-solving skills by developing analytical solutions for clients, develop expertise in coordinating data from different instruments for biogeochemistry studies with quality assurance requirements. The role will include occasional travel overseas or within the UK to assist field teams or to deliver training.

The following specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

Essential

• First Degree in Chemistry or a related subject (S)
• Experience in calibrating instrumentation for analysis of environmental samples, with a good amount of experience of working in an accredited laboratory (S)
• Ability to operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment for environmental sample analyses to ISO17025 requirements (S&I)
• Demonstrates good team working skills and is self-motivated, capable of working independently and proactively (S&I)
• Experience in coordinating data from laboratory instruments (S&I)
• Full driving licence and able to travel off-site occasionally (S)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Desirable

• MSc in Chemistry or a related subject (S)
• Experience in applying environmental geochemistry data to biogeochemistry studies (S&I)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills (S&I)
• Ability to empathise with the needs of the business and colleagues and relate this to your support role in the organisation (S&I)

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

Our Core Values Core Values and commitment to promoting equality and diversity across our organisation underpin the continuous drive to improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 1 June 2025. Interviews are expected to be held between 12 and 17 June in Nottingham.