Full job descriptionSenior GC-MS Analyst
Location: Bedfordshire Area
Position: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive Pay & Great Benefits
This is a senior position within the Gas Chromatography (GC) department, taking technical leadership of analytical output across a well invested environmental testing section. Supporting the Section Head, the successful candidate will oversee complex GC-MS workflows, drive method development, and ensure high-quality delivery across diverse environmental matrices.
Key Responsibilities
*Analytical Operations: Run, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced GC-MS, GC-QQQ, Headspace GC-MS, and GC-FID/TEA systems in a high-throughput laboratory environment.
*Method Development: Lead continuous method development, optimisation, and validation for trace-level contaminants to support expanding analytical services.
*Quality & Compliance: Work strictly within ISO 17025 and MCERTS accreditation frameworks, maintaining data integrity, robust QA/QC protocols, and non-conformance resolution.
*Technical Leadership: Guide and mentor Analysts and Extraction Chemists, assisting with workload prioritisation and daily operational delivery.
*Troubleshooting: Resolve complex technical, instrumentation, and sample matrix issues to minimise downtime and preserve data quality.
*Project & Client Delivery: Manage analytical workflows to meet strict turnaround times, communicating clear technical information to support client programs.
Essential Skills & Experience:
*Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent laboratory experience).
*Strong, hands-on experience running, maintaining, and troubleshooting GC-MS or GC-QQQ instrumentation within an accredited testing environment.
*Proven track record in method development and validation (ideally supporting ISO 17025 or MCERTS standards).
*Solid understanding of sample extraction techniques, chromatographic separation, and mass spectrometry data evaluation.
*Excellent communication and leadership skills with experience mentoring junior laboratory staff.
Desirable Experience:
*Experience testing environmental matrices such as water, wastewater, soil, sediment, or air/gas samples.
*Familiarity with specialised GC techniques (e.g., Headspace, GC-TOF, GC-TEA).
*Prior exposure to project management, commercial client support, or modern LIMS systems.
Benefits
Our client offers a comprehensive rewards package, including:
*Performance-based company bonus scheme.
*Generous pension scheme & private healthcare options.
*Comprehensive employee wellbeing and mental health support programs.
*Clear pathways for progression into Principal Scientist, Section Head, or laboratory leadership roles.
*Mentoring, leadership development, and formal management training.
*Free on-site parking.
To Apply
Please submit your CV for consideration and a member of our recruitment team will review it and be in touch. We do not use any automated CV screening.
Due to receiving a high application number, however, we can’t reply to each application received. If you have not heard from us within 7 days your application has been unsuccessful.