Research Chemist - Stable Isotopes

23h23 hours ago

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Lancaster, GB · Full-time · £37,405 – £39,694

About this role

Our Analytical Chemistry team seeks an experienced Research Chemist (Stable Isotopes) for the Environmental Pressures and Responses Group. This role delivers vital UKAS-accredited (ISO17025:2017) analytical data on pollution, land use change, and climate impacts across air, land, and water ecosystems. Join a team at the forefront of environmental research.

Work in world-class laboratories with cutting-edge instruments for bulk material analysis (EA-IRMS), trace gas detection (Precon-IRMS), dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (Iso-TOC), and compound-specific analysis (GC-C-IRMS). Use advanced cavity ring-down spectroscopy for hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in water and vegetation samples. Benefit from recent major investments enhancing analytical capabilities.

Operate within the laboratory’s ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality management system as Technical Manager for stable isotope analyses. Perform advanced stable isotope analyses and oversee instrument maintenance, procurement, and daily operations. Foster a safe, efficient research environment through hands-on leadership.

Provide team leadership with line management and staff development responsibilities. Develop cutting-edge stable isotope methodologies and prepare research funding grant applications. Collaborate on high-impact science via reports, presentations, and partnerships for ongoing initiatives.

Requirements

Specialist in light stable isotopes (¹⁵N, ¹³C, ³⁴S, ¹⁸O, ²H) with proven expertise in their analysis and application across ecology, heritage science, or related fields
Expertise in environmental or occupational chemical analysis
Practical experience using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), alongside platforms such as Qtegra, IonVantage, and IonOS
Strong skills in data analysis
Strong skills in scientific communication, preparation of reports, publications, and project proposals
Committed to professional development and eager to support and mentor others, including managing team members or guiding students

Responsibilities

Provide leadership within the team, taking on line management or supervisory responsibilities to support staff development and foster collaboration
Operate within the laboratory’s ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality management system and serve as Technical Manager for stable isotope analyses
Develop and refine cutting-edge stable isotope methodologies to keep laboratories at the forefront of analytical science
Perform advanced analyses of stable isotopes (EA-IRMS), trace gases (Precon-IRMS), dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (Iso-TOC), and compound-specific isotope analysis (GC-C-IRMS)
Prepare and submit research funding grant applications, build partnerships, and explore opportunities to support research initiatives
Collaborate with the research team to deliver high-impact science through written reports and oral presentations
Oversee laboratory operations, including instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, procurement of supplies and equipment, and day-to-day management

Benefits

Permanent role within a well-established team
Access to world-class laboratories equipped with cutting-edge analytical instruments and advanced sample preparation technologies
Recent major investment in state-of-the-art isotope laboratory instrumentation