Organic Geochemist

**Organic Geochemist**

**Natural Environment Research Council - British Geological Survey**
**Band UKRI D/S2**
**Salary: £39,375 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**
**A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time**
**Closing date: 30 June 2024**

**About the role**

**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)

**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.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously 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.

**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.

**About The British Geological Survey (BGS)**
- The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces