Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess laboratories' technical competence and produce evidence-based reports.
- Company: UKAS, the UK's National Accreditation Body for certification and testing.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, training provided, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Part-time independent contractor role with excellent career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in environmental monitoring while using your analytical chemistry skills.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited labs and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Analytical Chemistry (Environmental) – Independent Contractor
Location: Remote (UK-based) with UK and potential international travel
About UKAS
UKAS is the UK’s National Accreditation Body, appointed by government to assess and accredit organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection, calibration and verification services. Our work underpins confidence in conformity assessment across the UK and internationally. We work with a wide range of independent technical experts who support our assessments on a contract basis.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Analytical Chemistry Technical Assessor (Environmental Chemistry) to support assessments within the AFLA area. This is a part‑time, independent contractor role. Technical Assessors play a pivotal role in the UKAS assessment process, providing the specialist expertise needed to carry out robust, evidence‑based assessments of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories. The role involves reviewing technical competence, observing laboratory activities, and contributing to clear, high‑quality assessment reports. This is a varied and rewarding opportunity to use your current, hands‑on technical knowledge to work with laboratories across the UK (and occasionally overseas), supporting confidence in environmental monitoring and continuous improvement against accreditation requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess the technical competence of laboratories through on‑site, remote and desk‑based assessments.
- Review and evaluate analytical methods, validation data, equipment, staff competence and technical records.
- Observe practical laboratory activities and follow technical audit trails to conclusion.
- Assess compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and relevant sector schemes, particularly MCERTS and DWTS.
- Produce clear, objective and evidence‑based assessment reports in line with UKAS requirements.
- Work collaboratively with Lead Assessors, Assessment Managers and laboratory staff during assessments.
What We’re Looking For
We are specifically looking to strengthen technical coverage with assessors who have recent, hands‑on bench experience and up‑to‑date technical knowledge.
- Recent practical experience (not solely managerial) within an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing laboratory.
- Strong background in environmental analysis, including water, soil and/or air testing.
- Demonstrable experience in method development and/or method validation in the recent past.
- Sound understanding of internal and external quality control, data integrity and data performance checks.
- Practical knowledge of applicable regulatory and sector requirements.
Targeted Technical Skills
Core analytical techniques should include a combination of:
- Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‑OES / ICP‑AES)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‑MS)
- Ion Chromatography (IC)
Additional Skills and Attributes
- In‑depth, current technical knowledge relevant to environmental and analytical chemistry.
- Experience supporting and developing the technical aspects of a laboratory quality system.
- Some experience of internal or external auditing of laboratory technical activities (desirable).
- Strong analytical judgement and attention to technical detail.
- Confident, professional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with laboratory staff and management at all levels.
Typical Background
Successful applicants are likely to have a strong professional background within environmental or analytical chemistry testing laboratories, with a career history that demonstrates recent, hands‑on technical involvement rather than purely managerial responsibility. This may include experience as a senior analyst, technical specialist, method development scientist, technical lead or similar role within an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, where maintaining technical competence and method validity formed a core part of the role. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their technical knowledge is current and actively applied, particularly in relation to environmental monitoring, analytical techniques and sector‑specific schemes such as MCERTS and DWTS.
Location: Remote, with UK‑wide coverage (occasional overseas work may arise)
This role must be undertaken on an independent basis. Due to independence and impartiality requirements, it cannot be carried out alongside a full‑time employed role. Full training will be provided to support you in becoming a UKAS Technical Assessor, including UKAS systems training, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard awareness and report‑writing to UKAS requirements.
Analytical Chemistry - Independent Technical Assessor employer: UKAS
Contact Detail:
UKAS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Analytical Chemistry - Independent Technical Assessor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the analytical chemistry field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know someone who knows someone, and that could lead you straight to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your recent projects and achievements in environmental analysis. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical knowledge. We want to see what you can do, so make it visually appealing and easy to digest!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and your specific analytical techniques. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in environmental chemistry and your understanding of accreditation processes.
We think you need these skills to ace Analytical Chemistry - Independent Technical Assessor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your recent hands-on experience in analytical chemistry. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into the picture. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for environmental chemistry shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKAS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the analytical techniques mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with methods like GC-MS and ICP-MS, as well as any recent projects you've worked on.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your practical experience in environmental analysis. Think about times when you developed or validated methods, and be ready to explain how you ensured compliance with quality control standards.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You might be asked to explain complex technical concepts, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the types of laboratories you’ll be assessing or the training provided for new assessors. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.