Laboratory Extraction Chemist in Bedford

RPS is looking for an Extraction Chemist to join our Laboratory Team based in Bedford. This position is ideally suited to a recent Graduate in Chemistry (or closely related subject) and will build your experience of working in a fast-paced, commercial laboratory environment with rapidly changing priorities. Salary starts at £23,481 and, as part of the Extraction Development scheme, you can see your salary rise through regular performance reviews.

What you will be doing:

You will be responsible for the preparation and extraction of samples, covering a wide range of environmental contaminants in different sample types. Working under a Senior Analytical Chemist, you will manage your own workload and collaborate closely with colleagues in a small team to ensure that work is completed on time and to the required standards of quality.

Key responsibilities:

• Follow established quality procedures to perform various types of sample extraction and preparation.
• Maintain a working stock of consumables and chemicals, which are essential to perform daily activities and tasks.
• Responsible for conducting a range of laboratory checks, including calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as pipettes, balances and other bench tools.
• Work as part of a team to ensure that all other routine laboratory tasks are completed to ensure that the Laboratory operates smoothly.

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

Who we are looking for:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory skills and techniques, including use of pipettes, balances, syringes, titrations, dilutions etc.
• Good time management skills, attention to detail and ability to cope under pressure.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, seeking advice where necessary.
• Understanding of Quality Control/Quality Assurance processes and their importance within a laboratory environment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision as well as part of a team.
• Good inter-personal and communication skills.

What we offer you:

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

We encourage and value different ideas, perspectives, and styles of thinking. We need a mix of experiences and skills to develop the most innovative ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.

All job offers are subject to a basic criminal history check and health check relevant to the role being applied for.

What happens next?

The Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application. If your application is progressed, you’ll have a conversation with one of our recruiters followed by an interview with the Team.

If this opportunity suits your career journey, we’d love to hear from you. All applications will be considered.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Mindful that a truly inclusive organization must make appropriate use of talent on a global basis and without unnecessary barriers, we are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion principles in all People processes in order to be as diverse as the communities and clients we work with, thereby securing, developing, and retaining the best available talent for the company’s future.

Our approach to Diversity and inclusion:

Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work. ‘Stronger Together’ is one of our five core behaviours and it is inherent in creating an inclusive workplace: ‘We are respectful, acknowledge diversity, and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. We bring out the best in one another, always assuming best intent. People who learn and grow thrive in our business, sharing in our success.’

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.