Senior Analytical Scientist in Southampton

Department: Global Technical Innovation Group (GTIG)

Location: Southampton, UK

Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 37.5 hours per week

CooperVision is a leading manufacturer of soft contact lenses with presence in over 100 countries.

Scope: To manage and provide technical expertise for analytical projects within the Material Science team and provide analytical expertise for manufacturing projects. This will include development and validation of analytical test methods, performing testing, generating formal reports, and providing SME knowledge and training to other laboratory personnel. Responsible for planning project work within the Material Science laboratory and communicating the progress with management and CVI sites.

Job Summary: The Material Science Team within GTIG comprises chemists and analytical scientists who master the science of materials and their interactions, providing expert services to sustain and improve performance. The role supports the growth of the business by qualifying new material sources and supporting suppliers with scale‑up projects. It is a permanent position within the analytical team, involving development and validation of GC and GC‑MS, HPLC and LC‑MS test methods for the analysis of organic and silicone‑containing materials (predominantly monomers and macromers), and performing analytical testing to support both GTIG and manufacturing projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with ISO17025
• Planning equipment availability
• Managing workload
• Writing analytical reports
• Acting as a subject‑matter expert and leader in program and project activities
• Communicating across sites to standardise methods
• Training team members
• Leading process investigations
• Engaging in other research and development activities as required

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Develop and validate analytical methods to regulatory standards
• Report status of work to management on a regular basis
• Write technical reports that meet regulatory standards
• Present work at meetings both internal and external to the department
• Provide training to other Material Science team members and other analytical laboratories within CooperVision
• Lead or support analytical projects within Science and Sustainability team
• Lead process investigation and improvement work
• Carry out trials and investigations in support of material and process development activities
• Establish and maintain relationships with other departments outside of Science and Sustainability
• Ensure that work complies with business quality systems and that all documentation is in place and up to date
• Lead continuous improvement in own work area
• Ensure that Health and Safety requirements are always met and never compromised
• Maintain technical knowledge at the cutting edge of the discipline

Travel Requirements: Travel may include some UK site visits (≈2%), domestic training travel (≈2%) and occasional overseas travel (≈2%).

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• MSc and/or PhD preferred
• Minimum college degree in Chemistry or related field with 7–10 years experience in lieu of an advanced degree
• Thorough knowledge and experience in LC and GC
• High level experience with GC‑MS and LC‑MS techniques
• Knowledge of polymer characterisation preferred
• Analytical report writing to meet regulatory standards
• Experience of Good Laboratory Practice or working in a UKAS accredited lab (or equivalent)
• Good technical leadership and experience mentoring junior team members
• Strong computer skills
• Experience of method development and validation to FDA (or equivalent) standards
• Excellent team working
• Organised, proven ability to manage workload effectively and plan accordingly
• Self‑directed
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise with colleagues and suppliers in multiple locations
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure

Work Environment: The job function is based in the UK GTIG Analytical Lab in Southampton. The role will primarily be office and laboratory based, with some requirement to work in clean rooms and manufacturing areas. Flexibility in working hours is expected with core hours between 10 am and 3 pm; the role is an exempt salaried position and does not pay overtime. The role requires the individual to handle hazardous materials and work environments, wearing appropriate PPE such as lab coat, eye protection and gloves in accordance with SOPs and COSHH guidelines. Prolonged sitting in front of a computer.

Experience And Education: Previous experience working within an analytical laboratory (or similar environment) for approximately 3–5 years minimum. Proven working knowledge of GLP essential, with experience of working to FDA standards (or equivalent). High-level experience with GC and HPLC, method development and validation prior to applying. Experience with LC‑MS and/or GC‑MS also essential. MSc and/or PhD preferred. Minimum degree in Chemistry or a related field with 7–10 years experience in lieu of an advanced degree.

What we offer: You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, access to our Wellness Platform to support mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more. CooperVision is committed to employee personal and professional development and offers extensive training to support career growth.

What you can expect: As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. Inclusive culture is a priority, and we recognize that different perspectives add value and contribute to our success. All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.