At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead method development for environmental analysis and manage a dynamic team of specialists.
- Company: Join Smithers, a leader in environmental risk sciences with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, pension contributions, and flexible career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Engage directly with clients and contribute to innovative projects in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental safety while working with cutting-edge analytical techniques.
- Qualifications: BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry with strong experience in analytical method development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Method Development Lead to join 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 Method Development Lead will manage and deliver complex analytical method development activities, lead a small team of technical specialists 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. This role 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 a Contributing Scientist for assigned analytical and environmental chemistry studies.
- Lead a small technical team of 3 members facilitating scheduling, method triage and technical support.
- 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.
- 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.
Method Development Lead in Harrogate employer: Smithers
Smithers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and professional growth are at the forefront. As a Senior Test Engineer, you will benefit from a generous package that includes private healthcare, a robust pension plan, and flexible working hours, all while contributing to world-leading technical support services in the polymer industry. With a commitment to equal opportunities and a culture that encourages skill development, Smithers provides a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Method Development Lead in Harrogate
✨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 Smithers. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
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✨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 Smithers, 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 Smithers and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Method Development Lead in Harrogate
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 Smithers. 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 Smithers
✨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 Smithers and the Method Development Lead 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!
