Analyst (ICP-MS) in England

RPS is looking for a Senior Analyst to join our Laboratory in Bedford. This is a full time, permanent analytical role based in the Inorganic section. This role offers the opportunity to work hands‑on with advanced instruments, where you'll play a key part in delivering high-quality analytical results. You'll be responsible for managing method development, sample analysis, scheduling instrument time efficiently and managing extraction chemists and analysts to ensure smooth operations. In addition, you will be responsible for reviewing results, identifying anomalies, reviewing non‑conforming work and providing valuable support to your team to maintain our lab's rigorous quality standards.

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.

Responsibilities

• Follow established procedures to perform trace analysis on a range of matrices such as surface, ground and saline water, influent and effluent from water treatment works and sewage sludge.
• Work with extraction chemists to ensure samples are prepared for analysis according to customer requirements.
• Operate ICP‑MS and cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectroscopy instrumentation.
• Provide training and mentoring of analysts and extraction chemists within the section.
• Prepare samples, solutions and reagents following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical equipment.
• Take lead in assigned projects, including method development and validation.
• Process and interpret analytical results for entry onto LIMS.
• Ensure PT data and quality reports are completed in line with our accredited quality management system.

Qualifications

• A BSc in Chemistry or a closely related subject, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Demonstrable experience working within an accredited analytical testing laboratory, ideally within the environmental or water sector.
• Demonstrable experience of ICP‑MS and CV‑AFS.
• Demonstrable experience of sample preparation techniques for environmental and water matrices.
• Demonstrated flexibility in analytical approach and ability to cope with high throughput and varied analysis in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good time‑management skills, attention to detail and ability to cope under pressure.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of environmental contaminants and methods for testing is desirable.
• Experience using Agilent software and Microsoft Office is desirable.

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.

Next Steps

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.