Job Description

Organic Geochemist


Natural Environment Research Council - British Geological Survey


Band: UKRI D/S2


Salary: 41,344 per annum


Contract Type: Open ended


Hours: 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)


Location: Keyworth, Nottingham


Closing date: 25th August 2025



A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic organic geochemist able to operate independently and within a team of applied chemists. The post is open but not limited to recent postgraduates or candidates approaching the end of their studies, with opportunity for ongoing learning and skills development. 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.





The candidate may be required to assist visiting students and to develop new analytical methodologies for deployment in a laboratory or field environment. Opportunities may arise for UK and/or International fieldwork.

About you

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)

Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.

You will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.

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) 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. (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)

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.


Our Core Values and commitment to promoting equality and diversity across our organisation underpin the continuous drive to improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.

How to apply

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.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org .



The closing date for receipt of applications is

Monday 25th August 2025

. Interviews are expected to be held in September in Nottingham.