Research Chemist- Stable Isotopes

Salary - £50,447 - £53,535

Permanent, full or part-time (>0.8 FTE) We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

About UKCEH

UKCEH is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land,   water   and air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet.

About This Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Chemist specialising in light stable isotopes (C, H, N, O & S) to lead the stable isotope analysis in the Analytical Chemistry team in Lancaster, within the acclaimed Environmental Pressures and Responses Group. This multidisciplinary team is at the forefront of understanding how pollution, land-use change, and climate pressures affect ecosystems. Working across air, land, and water, we generate high-quality evidence that directly informs action on environmental change.

We are  seeking  a driven and experienced stable isotope specialist with strong, published,  expertise  in environmental applications who is motivated by both scientific excellence and real-world impact. In this role, you will work in close collaboration with colleagues across UKCEH and the wider scientific community, helping to  identify  emerging research challenges and shaping compelling ideas that attract funding. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who are excited by the funding and partnership-building aspects of research. You will enjoy seeking out opportunities for collaboration, developing research ideas, writing grant applications, and responding to tenders. Whether through advancing laboratory methodologies, building on existing professional networks, or generating fundable ideas rooted in PhD-level or applied research, you will be resourceful, investigative, and motivated to generate income and impact.

You will thrive in this role if you are ideas-driven, collaborative, and proactive, with a genuine curiosity for solving complex scientific problems. Comfortable working across multiple projects, you will bring  a high level  of accuracy, attention to detail, and personal ownership, alongside the creativity to develop and implement novel analytical approaches and workflows. Innovation is actively encouraged, and your contributions will directly influence the direction and capability of the team.

Our isotope laboratory has recently  benefited  from major investment in  state-of-the-art  instrumentation, significantly enhancing our analytical capabilities. The lab is equipped for a wide range of isotopic analyses, including bulk material analysis (EA-IRMS), trace gas detection ( Precon -IRMS), dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (Iso-TOC), and compound-specific analysis (GC-C-IRMS). We also use advanced cavity ring-down spectroscopy for precise measurement of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in water, vegetation, and other samples – providing a powerful platform for  cutting-edge , cross-disciplinary research.

Your main responsibilities will include:

- Lead and develop the Stable Isotope Facility, raising its profile within UKCEH and the wider research community, while   identifying   opportunities to expand isotope applications into new sectors.

- Generate income through grant applications, research   bids   and commercial tenders, building new scientific and business opportunities.

- Drive the development,   validation   and implementation of innovative analytical methods, ensuring robust SOPs and high-quality scientific standards.

- Deliver and support high-impact scientific outputs, contributing analytical   expertise   to publications, reports,   presentations   and other knowledge products.

- Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring data quality, ISO 17025 compliance, COSHH requirements, internal audits, equipment   development   and safe facility management.

- Line   manage , mentor and develop laboratory staff, fostering technical excellence, collaboration,   resilience   and a high-performance culture.

We’re  looking for a passionate and forward-thinking research chemist to help keep our laboratories and research at the forefront of environmental science.  You’ll  bring strong skills in method innovation, data analysis, scientific communication, and the preparation of reports, publications, and project proposals. Just as importantly,  we’re  seeking someone who is committed to their own professional development and eager to support and mentor others, whether  that’s  managing team members or guiding students, as we continue to build a collaborative and forward-looking research environment.

What   we’re   looking for:

- PhD in Environmental Chemistry, or equivalent relevant qualification and/or substantial professional experience in a related laboratory environment.

- A strong understanding of fundamental ecological and/or environmental chemistry principles, particularly as they relate to the behaviour and analysis of stable isotopes

- Proven experience in isotopic analyses with working knowledge of stable isotope analytical instruments (especially IRMS and incl. method development and optimisation)

- Specialist knowledge of method development for isotopic   analysis in diverse matrices

- Established  track record  of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and delivering impactful presentations at scientific conferences

- Demonstrable success in securing research funding through competitive bids

How to apply and what happens next

If   you’re   interested in this role,   we’d   love to hear from you.   You’ll   be directed to our Workday portal where   you’ll   create an account and upload your CV and your responses to the questions below. Your responses are an important part of our assessment process, so please take the time to complete them thoughtfully:

- A separate cover letter is not   required

- Use clear, concise examples that   demonstrate   your personal contribution, relevant skills, qualifications (if applicable )   and impact

- Limit your responses to a maximum of 150 words per question

- Onc e   submitted , our panel will review your application, and please be assured that we are committed to providing an outcome for all applicants, regardless of the result.

Q1.  Describe a significant funding opportunity that you were successful in obtaining, explain the significance of the funding, and the impact it had on your work .    What did you do to make sure that your application stood out from others?

Q2.  Give an example of a stable isotopic analytical method that you developed or adapted specifically to pursue a new funding opportunity.  How was the method adopted by peers, and how did overcome constraints it posed?

Q3.  Drawing on your own experience, please describe the networking practices that you have found most effective and how you   maintain   professional contacts to support future collaborations. In addition, explain how you have communicated and shared your work with the wider scientific community and other stakeholders,   providing   specific examples of when you have done this successfully. Did these dissemination activities lead to future funding opportunities?

Working at UKCEH is genuinely rewarding

You’ll   be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment to prosper and informs decisions that   benefit   society as a whole .   We’re   proud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it.   You’ll   be supported to develop your career, grow your   skills   and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

What we offer

At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us,   you’ll   benefit   from:

- Generous annual leave - 27 days (risin