Lead Analytical Testing Chemist. Job in Shrewsbury LilyLifestyle Jobs

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 (possible negotiation)

Location: Shrewsbury

Type of work: Full-time, permanent, hybrid working 50% office-based / 50% home-based

Are you an experienced analytical chemist with strong technical leadership skills and a background in regulated testing environments? Our client is looking to appoint an Analytical Testing Lead to provide technical expertise across complex, analytically focused, chemistry-based testing projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong chemist who enjoys taking ownership of analytical work, supporting customers, reviewing data and helping shape high-quality scientific outputs.

The role would suit someone with substantial experience in analytical chemistry, ideally gained within a CRO, pharmaceutical, medical device or similarly regulated environment. You will need hands-on technical knowledge of techniques such as GC-MS or LC-MS/UV, experience of method development and validation, and the confidence to act as a subject-matter expert across multi-stage analytical projects.

Job Description

• Providing technical leadership across analytical testing projects for internal and external customers.
• Supporting the design and delivery of extractables and leachables studies, working closely with project teams and clients.
• Reviewing, processing, authorising and approving analytical data to ensure accuracy and technical quality.
• Designing and supporting complex analytical work using techniques such as LC-MS/UV, GC-MS, FTIR, ICP, UV, conductivity and pH, as appropriate.
• Preparing high-quality technical documents, including protocols, reports, proposals, study plans and customer communications.
• Interpreting customer requirements and contributing to project planning, budgets, timelines and technical strategy.
• Ensuring work is delivered on time, within agreed scope and to the required quality and regulatory standards.
• Supporting, coaching and sharing knowledge with colleagues across the chemistry team.
• Maintaining awareness of relevant scientific, regulatory and technical developments.
• Representing the business professionally in customer meetings, technical discussions and occasional industry events.

Person Specification

• A degree in chemistry, science, engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Strong practical analytical chemistry experience, including significant use of GC-MS and/or LC-MS/UV.
• Experience of method development and method validation within a regulated analytical environment.
• A strong understanding of extractables and leachables work, or a closely related technical specialism.
• Experience producing technical protocols, reports and analytical documentation.
• Previous experience working within pharmaceutical, medical, CRO or similarly regulated testing environments.
• Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO 17025, cGxP and/or GMP.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly to customers and colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines and technical deliverables.
• A professional, self-motivated and collaborative approach.

Desirable but not essential

• MSc, PhD or further postgraduate qualification.
• Experience in a customer-facing technical role.
• Previous responsibility for project scope, budgets, forecasts or timelines.
• Formal project management training or qualifications.
• Experience presenting technical information at workshops, conferences or customer meetings.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced analytical chemistry professional to move into a visible technical lead role, joining a specialist team delivering high-quality scientific work for regulated customers. The position offers a salary of £40,000 - £42,000 (possible negotiation), hybrid working split between home and the Shrewsbury office, and the chance to develop as a recognised technical expert within a respected testing environment.