RPS has an exciting opportunity for a LC Analyst to join our state-of-the-art laboratory based in Bedford. This is a permanent, full-time role working 9 am – 5pm Monday to Friday. As an experienced LC Analyst, you’ll be familiar with your typical responsibilities across the entire analytical process – from sample extraction to data analysis and reporting of results.

About The Team:

We are a high calibre scientific team of Analysts, Chemists, and Technicians that operate from purpose-built laboratory facilities which have a long history of providing expert advice and analytical solutions to a range of sectors including water, utilities, agrochemicals, and defence. Our laboratories enjoy an international reputation for solving complex and novel analytical problems and delivering large scale monitoring programmes such as the UK’s Chemical Investigations Programme

The Bedford Laboratory houses a state-of-the-art analytical facility renowned for its work, in ultra-trace complex analysis of emerging and priority pollutants. This laboratory was one of the first laboratories in the UK to gain UKAS accreditation for the analysis of PFAS chemicals in the aftermath of the Buncefield oil terminal fire in 2005.  The laboratory comprises around 100 scientists and support staff and is equipped with the latest range of instrumentation, which enables us to push the boundaries of detection and measure extremely low levels of pollutants in environmental matrices.

About You:

As a key member of the Laboratories business, your role as a LC Analyst is critical to helping us conduct investigations and formulate effective solutions to help our clients comply with environmental quality standards (EQS) and maximum residue limits (MRLs).

By joining us you will collaborate with our clients, to design a tailored analytical programme to meet their complex regulatory needs. Leveraging our state-of-the-art instrumentation. You will be influential in providing analytical support to develop new methods and optimising existing analysis to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulatory limits.

Your Responsibilities:
You’ll be responsible for running a range of methods for the identification and quantification of pesticides, priority pollutants and emerging contaminants primarily using LC-MS/MS. You may also need to work in the Lab conducting the sample extraction, as required. Given the rapidly changing nature of the industry, there may also be a requirement to work with senior colleagues to develop methods for novel and/or newly emerging environmental contaminants and watch list chemicals in line with commercial requirements.

Follow established procedures to perform trace organic analysis on a wide range of samples/matrices.
Operate primarily triple quadrupole and single quadrupole LC-MS instrumentation, together with other laboratory equipment, as required.
Work with extraction staff within the laboratory to ensure samples are prepared for analysis according to business requirements.
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
Raises QC queries and non-conforming work and follow up investigations as necessary
Prepare samples, solutions and reagents following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
Process and interprets analytical results.
The job may involve the following possible hazards:

Manual handling
Handling chemicals and solvents
Handling samples that are potentially biohazardous
Handling of foods, including nuts
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

Experience working within an accredited analytical testing laboratory, ideally within the environmental sector.
Experience and understanding of single and triple quadrupole LC-MS systems operating in both ESI and APCI ionisation modes.
Use of Agilent Chemstation and Masshunter software would be desirable.
Experience of sample preparation techniques e.g. liquid:liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, QuEChERS etc.
Experience of conducting routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC based systems.
Demonstrated flexibility in analytical approach and ability to cope with high throughput and varied analysis in a fast-paced environment
Minimum of a 2:1 BSc in Chemistry of closely related subject or equivalent industrial experience.
Excellent time management skills, attention to detail and ability to cope under pressure