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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop innovative analytical methods for environmental chemistry projects.
- Company: Join Smithers, a leader in environmental risk sciences with a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, pension contributions, and flexible career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental science while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry with strong analytical method development experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
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
We offer the opportunity to work on diverse and technically challenging projects alongside experienced scientists, while developing a rewarding and flexible career. Our benefits include:
- Private Medical Insurance with Bupa
- Employer-matched pension contributions
- 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 Group
Contact Detail:
Smithers Group Recruiting Team
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 science field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your experience with LC-MS/MS and GC methods. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, be prepared to share specific examples of challenges you’ve faced in method development and how you overcame them. We want to see your analytical thinking in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are 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 highlight your experience in analytical method development and validation. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about environmental chemistry and how your expertise can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and GC instrumentation. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure to detail any relevant projects or achievements in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Smithers!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smithers Group
✨Know Your Analytical Techniques
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of LC-MS/MS and GC methods. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these techniques, as well as any challenges you've faced in method development and validation.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities, especially in a regulated laboratory environment. Think about specific instances where you identified issues and how you resolved them, particularly related to emerging contaminants.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves client-facing interactions, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with clients in the past and how you handled any technical discussions or troubleshooting.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with GLP and non-GLP frameworks, as well as the regulatory requirements for environmental testing. Being able to discuss your experience with audits and inspections will show that you’re well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
