At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytical testing and ensure quality of life-changing medical products.
- Company: Smith+Nephew, a tech innovator dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible vacation, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a community that values inclusion, growth, and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while mentoring future lab professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field with QA experience.
At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Are you passionate about analytical science and driven by quality? Join our team and play a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of medical products and devices that make a real difference to patients worldwide.
As a Senior Analytical Chemist, you'll be at the forefront of Quality Assurance testing, leading complex analytical activities, driving innovation, and mentoring the next generation of laboratory professionals.
What will you be doing?
- Deputise for the Laboratory Supervisor when required, maintaining laboratory service levels
- Perform testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using approved methods and protocols
- Conduct analytical testing using techniques such as ICP, GC, IR, UV-Vis, TOC, and other chemical methods
- Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment in accordance with established procedures
- Review, interpret, approve, and report test data, ensuring compliance with specifications and trends
- Support investigations of out-of-specification (OOS) or out-of-trend (OOT) results
- Provide technical expertise on testing methodologies and assess the impact of potential failures
- Prioritise workload effectively to meet agreed lead times and deadlines
- Assist in managing the QA Stability System and ensure compliance with stability protocols
- Lead method validation, equipment validation, and change control activities within the laboratory
- Ensure all equipment is available, calibrated, and compliant with laboratory schedules and systems
- Train and mentor laboratory analysts to ensure consistent, compliant ways of working
- Ensure all laboratory activities follow safety requirements and risk assessment controls
- Own, review, and update SOPs, work instructions, and test methods in line with document control requirements
- Produce technical and scientific reports for complex and non-standard laboratory work
- Manage workload effectively within defined timelines
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory
What will you need to be successful?
- Strong experience within Quality Assurance and analytical laboratory environments
- A degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Life Sciences, or a comparable scientific background
- Expertise in data analysis, trend evaluation, root cause investigation, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- A proactive mindset with a passion for solving complex analytical challenges
You. Unlimited. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours.
Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and much more.
Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
Training: Hands-on, team-customised, mentorship.
Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes and many other employee discounts.
Stay connected by joining our Talent Community. We're more than just a company - we're a community!
Senior Analytical Chemist employer: Smith & Nephew
At Smith+Nephew, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Senior Analytical Chemist, you will not only contribute to the safety and quality of life-changing medical products but also benefit from our generous bonus schemes, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive health plans. Join us in a collaborative environment where your expertise is valued, and you can make a meaningful impact on patients' lives worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Analytical Chemist
✨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 Smith & Nephew. 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 Smith & Nephew 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 Smith & Nephew, 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 Smith & Nephew and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
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 Smith & Nephew. 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 Smith & Nephew
✨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 Smith & Nephew and the Senior Analytical Chemist 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!
