At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytical method development and validation for environmental studies.
- Company: Smithers, a leader in environmental risk sciences.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, pension contributions, eyecare vouchers, and life assurance.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for innovation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental safety and work with cutting-edge analytical techniques.
- Qualifications: BSc, MSc, or PhD in Chemistry with strong analytical method development experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Environmental Chemist to join the Analytical Chemistry team part of the Chemistry department within the Environmental Risk Sciences (ERS) division of Smithers based in Harrogate. This role is ideal for an experienced analytical scientist with a strong background in method development and validation particularly for pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, agrochemicals, and biocides who is looking to play a key role in shaping the technical and scientific direction of a growing team.
Smithers ERS Limited provides environmental and regulatory safety testing services to clients across the pharmaceutical, agricultural, chemical, and biocidal sectors. Our analytical teams support regulatory submissions by generating high-quality defensible data in compliance with international guidelines and quality systems.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Chemistry, the Senior Environmental Chemist will lead and deliver complex analytical method development activities supporting both routine and novel studies. The role includes a mix of hands-on laboratory work, GLP Study Director responsibilities, and client-facing scientific interaction making it well suited to a technically strong scientist with good communication skills and regulatory awareness. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of analytical strategies for emerging contaminants supporting environmental exposure, fate, and risk assessment studies under GLP and non-GLP frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, optimise, and validate analytical methods for target molecules within complex environmental relevant matrices.
- Apply advanced analytical techniques with a strong focus on LC-MS/MS and GC-based methods.
- Act as Study Director for assigned analytical and environmental chemistry studies.
- Provide technical leadership and scientific input into study design and method strategy.
- Support the identification and assessment of emerging environmental contaminants.
- Interpret complex analytical data and produce high-quality regulator-ready reports.
- Engage directly with clients to discuss technical approaches, troubleshoot challenges, and support study delivery.
- Contribute to continuous improvement, innovation, and best practice within the analytical team.
- Support audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions as required.
Qualifications and Experience
- BSc, MSc, or PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Significant practical experience in analytical method development within a regulated laboratory or CRO environment.
- Strong hands-on expertise with LC-MS/MS and GC instrumentation.
- Experience working with pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, agrochemicals, and/or biocidal products.
- Demonstrated understanding of emerging contaminants in the environment and their analytical challenges.
- Experience acting as a Study Director or supporting study direction under GLP is highly desirable.
- Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and scientific judgement.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and client-facing skills.
We Offer
- Private Medical Insurance with Bupa.
- Employer-matched pension contributions.
- Eyecare vouchers.
- Ride to Work scheme.
- Life assurance cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free mortgage advice service.
Join Smithers and help shape the future of environmental and analytical science.
Senior Environmental Chemist in Harrogate employer: Smithers Careers
Smithers Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Harrogate, where you can thrive as a Laboratory Technician. With a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training and a generous benefits package, including private healthcare and a robust pension scheme, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while contributing to meaningful environmental research. Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact on the world around us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Environmental Chemist in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental chemistry field, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and GC methods. We want you to showcase your problem-solving skills and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When engaging with potential employers, highlight your experience with pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. We recommend sharing specific examples of your method development successes to really stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team at Smithers.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Environmental Chemist in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Environmental Chemist role. Highlight your experience in analytical method development and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving LC-MS/MS and GC techniques.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, and don’t forget to show your passion for environmental chemistry!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves client-facing interactions, make sure to highlight your communication skills. Mention any experiences where you’ve successfully engaged with clients or presented complex data in an understandable way.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smithers Careers
✨Know Your Methods
Make sure you brush up on your analytical methods, especially LC-MS/MS and GC techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with method development and validation in detail, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves client-facing interactions, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated technical information to non-experts.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions
Familiarise yourself with GLP guidelines and regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental chemistry. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these in past roles and how you can contribute to compliance at Smithers.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific challenges you've faced in analytical chemistry and how you overcame them. Highlight your attention to detail and scientific judgement, as these are key traits for the Senior Environmental Chemist position.
