Organic Geochemist

Organic Geochemist

Band UKRI D/S2, £41,344 per annum

Open ended

Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of remote working, in line with BGS policy)

Keyworth, Nottingham

We are looking for an enthusiastic organic geochemist able to operate independently and within a team of applied chemists. The candidate will operate a selection of analytical instrumentation to support research on applied environmental chemistry projects in the UK and internationally. More specifically, the candidate will operate GC/MS/MS to develop research and business in the sphere of legacy and emerging contaminants as well as natural organic compounds (biomarkers) present in soil, sediment and waters.

You should have a first degree in Chemistry or related topic and PhD with analytical organic geochemistry experience). In additional you should have experience in analytical organic chemistry and specifically operation of GC/MS and GC/MS/MS for the quantitative analysis of organic compounds in soils, sediments and waters. You should also have experience required in spiking samples to appropriate concentrations, extraction, compound class separation (e.g. SPE, QuEChers), derivatization, calibration of GC/MS, programming method files (masses, retention time windows). In addition you must be able to swim for river and coastal field work (requirement for our external clients)

Skills Specification - Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ Stage

Essential

• First Degree in Chemistry or related topic and PhD with analytical organic geochemistry experience) (S)
• Full driving licence for UK fieldwork (S)
• Experiencein analytical organic chemistry and specifically operation of GC/MS and GC/MS/MS for the quantitative analysis of organic compounds in soils, sediments and waters. (S,I)
• Experience required in spiking samples to appropriate concentrations, extraction, compound class separation (e.g. SPE, QuEChers), derivatization, calibration of GC/MS, programming method files (masses, retention time windows). (S,I)
• Knowledge in coordinating data from laboratory instruments and awareness of quality assurance requirements (UKAS) for client output. (S,I)
• Ability to operate complex equipment with multiple software packages GC/MS, GC, FTIR, pyrolysis GC-MS (S,I)
• Effective written and oral communication skills (S,I)
• Demonstrate good team working skills and self-motivated and capable of working independently and proactively (S, I)
• Ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines (S, I)
• Able to travel off-site / abroad regularly / occasionally (I)

Desirable

• Membership and engagement with learned society e.g. RSC, GeolSoc, IAG, SEGH) (S)
• Operation of Thermo-Quantiva instrument (S,I)
• Pollution: This role requires experience in analysis of legacy (e.g. PAH, PCB, PBDE, TPH, DDT) and emerging contaminants (e.g. PBDE, PFAS, pharma, pesticides) and others (e.g. sewage steroids,, ahhydrosugars). (S,I)
• Natural Carbon: This role requires experience in evaluation of natural organic compounds (free and polymeric) (e.g. (hopanes, steranes and other markers as taraxerol) as well as complex biogeopolymers by pyrolysis/GC/MS. (S,I)
• Operation of FTIR spectrometer, Iatroscan-TPH analyser (S,I)
• Knowledge of statistical software e. g. R core (S,I)
• Knowledge of applying environmental geochemistry data to biogeochemical studies and or other issues eg radioactive waste disposal (S,I)

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 25th August 2025. Interviews are expected to be held in September in Nottingham.