Senior Analytical Chemist

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Join LGC Group as a Senior Analytical Chemist and lead method development and validation using HPLC, GC-MS and Karl Fischer onsite in Guildford, in a GOCO environment supporting MHRA laboratories. You will mentor Analytical Chemists and Lead Analytical Chemists, deliver contractual benchmarks to customers, train staff, and ensure ISO 17025 compliance through rigorous QA and safety practices while collaborating with clients to translate needs into robust solutions. Essential: a chemistry degree and extensive hands-on analytical experience with HPLC and supporting methods; desirable: line management, customer-facing mentorship, and familiarity with BP, EP or USP. To apply, tailor your CV to show leadership, data driven improvements, and strong communication, reflecting LGC values.

Company Description

Under contract to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), LGC hosts and operates the UK’s combined Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL) for chemical testing and the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Commission Laboratory.

The work of The MHRA Laboratories at LGC helps the MHRA protect public health by ensuring that medicines and healthcare products are safe for those who use them. The laboratories are operated under government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) model at our site in Teddington.

One of The MHRA Laboratory's primary roles is to procure, establish and maintain reference standards (British Pharmacopoeia Chemical Reference Substances - BPCRS). The laboratory also supports the work of the British Pharmacopoeia Commission in establishing methods (known as monographs) for generic medicinal products (including herbals) available in the UK. The monographs established by laboratory staff are subsequently published in the British Pharmacopoeia.

Job Description

As a Senior Analytical Chemist, you will have an outstanding opportunity to lead method development and validation using advanced techniques like HPLC, GC-MS, and Karl Fischer. This position suits an ambitious individual who excels in a collaborative setting and is dedicated to delivering flawless results. You will guide team members, uphold strict regulatory standards (ISO 17025), and drive ongoing improvements in laboratory processes. Collaborating closely with customers and colleagues, you will identify efficient strategies to meet and surpass expectations.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and validate analytical methods for chemical compounds.
• Manage and mentor Analytical Chemists and Lead Analytical Chemists.
• Successfully implement and manage the delivery of contractual benchmarks to customers' specifications.
• Assist in the training and development of staff.
• Partner with customers to communicate progress, schedule activities, and deliver technical support and mentorship.
• Perform analyses using sophisticated instrumentation and techniques.
• Prepare technical reports and ensure adherence to quality systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Represent the laboratory in meetings and contribute to technical discussions.

Qualifications

Essential

• A degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience in analytical chemistry, involving both routine and advanced analysis using HPLC along with supporting methods like GC, IR, and UV-Vis spectrometry.

Desirable

• Previous line management or supervisory experience, including supporting staff development and performance.
• Experience in working with customers, partners, or external collaborators, including offering technical mentorship and maintaining high standards of service.
• Taking initiative in refining processes, exhibiting the capability to find approaches that improve efficiency, data quality, or compliance.
• Familiarity with national and international pharmacopoeias, including the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and/or United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
• Strong analytical judgement with the ability to interpret data, address issues, and deliver scientifically sound conclusions.
• Proven experience working within a regulated laboratory environment (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, GLP, or cGMP) with a clear understanding of quality requirements and good scientific practice.
• Proven experience in managing scientific activities or projects, with the capability to coordinate work efficiently and meet established deadlines.
• Good knowledge of health and safety within a laboratory environment.

Additional Information

ABOUT LGC: 

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range. 

LGC’s National Laboratories deliver a range of expert science functions and services in partnership with the UK Government, business, healthcare, and academia. We manage and operate several national laboratories on behalf of government agencies, such as the UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML), MHRA Laboratories Team and National Reference Laboratories, as well as hosting the unique function of the ‘Government Chemist’.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY 
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com

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