LC MS Analyst

RPS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Bedford is seeking an experienced LC MS Analyst to join its team. The role involves conducting analysis and providing solutions for environmental compliance, leveraging state-of-the-art instrumentation. Candidates should have relevant analytical testing experience and a degree in chemistry or a related field. Competitive personal development and career advancement opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Personal development plan

Transparent career pathway

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience working in an accredited analytical testing laboratory.
• Understanding of single and triple quadrupole LC-MS systems.
• Experience of sample preparation techniques like liquid:liquid extraction.

Responsibilities

• Run methods for identification and quantification of pollutants using LC-MS/MS.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• Collaborate with clients to design tailored analytical programs.

Skills

Analytical testing experience

Experience with LC-MS systems

Time management skills

Attention to detail

Flexibility in analytical approach

Education

Minimum of a 2:1 BSc in Chemistry or related subject

Tools

Agilent Chemstation

MassHunter software

Job description

Join to apply for the LC MS Analyst role at RPS

Overview

RPS has an exciting opportunity for a LC Analyst to join our state-of-the-art laboratory based in Bedford. This is a permanent, full-time role working 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday.

As an experienced LC-MS Analyst, you’ll be familiar with your typical responsibilities across the entire analytical process - from sample extraction to data analysis and reporting of results.

About The Team

We are a high calibre scientific team of Analysts, Chemists, and Technicians that operate from purpose-built laboratory facilities which have a long history of providing expert advice and analytical solutions to a range of sectors including water, utilities, agrochemicals, and defence. Our laboratories enjoy an international reputation for solving complex and novel analytical problems and delivering large scale monitoring programmes such as the UK’s Chemical Investigations Programme.

The Bedford Laboratory houses a state-of-the-art analytical facility renowned for its work, in ultra-trace complex analysis of emerging and priority pollutants. This laboratory was one of the first laboratories in the UK to gain UKAS accreditation for the analysis of PFAS chemicals in the aftermath of the Buncefield oil terminal fire in 2005. The laboratory comprises around 100 scientists and support staff and is equipped with the latest range of instrumentation, which enables us to push the boundaries of detection and measure extremely low levels of pollutants in environmental matrices.

About You

As a key member of the Laboratories business, your role as a LC Analyst is critical to helping us conduct investigations and formulate effective solutions to help our clients comply with environmental quality standards (EQS) and maximum residue limits (MRLs).

By joining us you will collaborate with our clients, to design a tailored analytical programme to meet their complex regulatory needs. Leveraging our state-of-the-art instrumentation, you will be influential in providing analytical support to develop new methods and optimising existing analysis to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulatory limits.

Your Responsibilities

You’ll be responsible for running a range of methods for the identification and quantification of pesticides, priority pollutants and emerging contaminants primarily using LC-MS/MS. You may also need to work in the lab conducting the sample extraction, as required. Given the rapidly changing nature of the industry, there may also be a requirement to work with senior colleagues to develop methods for novel and/or newly emerging environmental contaminants and watch list chemicals in line with commercial requirements.

• Follow established procedures to perform trace organic analysis on a wide range of samples/matrices.
• Operate primarily triple quadrupole and single quadrupole LC-MS instrumentation, together with other laboratory equipment, as required.
• Work with extraction staff within the laboratory to ensure samples are prepared for analysis according to business requirements.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• Raise QC queries and non-conforming work and follow up investigations as necessary
• Prepare samples, solutions and reagents following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Process and interprets analytical results.

The Job May Involve The Following Possible Hazards

• Manual handling
• Handling chemicals and solvents
• Handling samples that are potentially biohazardous
• Handling of foods, including nuts

Skills, Knowledge, And Experience

• Experience working within an accredited analytical testing laboratory, ideally within the environmental sector.
• Experience and understanding of single and triple quadrupole LC-MS systems operating in both ESI and APCI ionisation modes.
• Use of Agilent Chemstation and MassHunter software would be desirable.
• Experience of sample preparation techniques e.g. liquid:liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, QuEChERS etc.
• Experience of conducting routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC based systems.
• Demonstrated flexibility in analytical approach and ability to cope with high throughput and varied analysis in a fast-paced environment.
• Minimum of a 2:1 BSc in Chemistry or closely related subject or equivalent industrial experience.
• Excellent time management skills, attention to detail and ability to cope under pressure.

What’s in it for you?

A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you’ll be supported as far as you want to go. A career here is far from ordinary. Here you’re not a number, you are part of the solution.

Why RPS?

We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work-life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.

About RPS, a Tetra Tech Company

RPS, part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, is a global firm that defines, designs, and manages projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s 28,000-strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource-scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.

As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market-leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.

Take the next step in your career and help make our world a better and safer place.

What happens next?

If we feel you are a good match, we will be in touch to arrange a competency interview. If this opportunity suits your career journey, we’d love to hear from you. All applications will be considered. Ready to apply? Please have your CV ready and continue with your application online.

Recruitment Agencies We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.