At a Glance
- Tasks: Support analytical chemistry projects and prepare samples for advanced analysis.
- Company: Join a world-class science research centre with a mission to inspire care for the planet.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, training opportunities, and discounts at museums and shops.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a vibrant team culture focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in analytical techniques while contributing to impactful research.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in Chemistry or related field and experience with analytical instruments.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world. Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
The Analysis Platform sits within Science Innovation Platforms (SIPs) at the NHM, providing advanced analytical facilities to in-house researchers and external users, both academic and commercial. The Bulk Chemistry team prepares and analyses samples using a wide variety of techniques. The Analytical Chemistry Technician will support the Analytical Chemistry Specialist in working on samples processed by the Bulk Chemistry team. The role holder will work across our bulk analytical instruments, including ICP-OES/AES, ICP-MS, organic elemental analysis (e.g. CHNS), direct mercury analysis (DMA), and vibrational spectroscopy analysis (e.g. FTIR). The role holder will also prepare geological, environmental, and biological samples for analysis, using techniques including microwave-assisted digestion and fusion. The role provides an opportunity for a person interested in analytical research to gain exposure to, and develop a wide variety of techniques while learning practical skills.
About you
We are looking for a motivated, proactive person with experience in using analytical instruments for quantitative elemental analysis. You will have a Master's degree in Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related discipline, and experience working in an analytical chemistry laboratory. You will have a strong understanding of the principles of analytical chemistry, and knowledge of sample preparation techniques for bulk elemental analysis. You will have experience in the collection, processing, and organisation of analytical data. You will be a good communicator and effective team player.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What we offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
- Hybrid working. The Museum supports flexible working however, due to the nature of this role the work pattern will be at least 80% on site.
Analytical Chemistry Technician employer: National History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion while fostering a sense of belonging among its 1,100 staff. With generous benefits such as 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in the heart of London, the Museum not only provides a unique environment to engage with millions of visitors but also supports a hybrid working model that balances collaboration with flexibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Analytical Chemistry Technician
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like National History Museum. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like National History Museum to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to National History Museum, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like National History Museum and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Analytical Chemistry Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at National History Museum. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at National History Museum
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to National History Museum and the Analytical Chemistry Technician role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
