Job Description

Senior Inorganics Analyst

Senior Analyst - ICP-MS - Inorganic Chemistry

Join Tetra Tech’s Bedford laboratory team and apply cutting‑edge analytical science to complex environmental challenges.

Purpose and scope of the role:

You will be a senior, hands‑on analyst in the Inorganic section, responsible for day‑to‑day operation of advanced instrumentation, method development, sample analysis and scheduling to deliver high‑quality data. You will manage and mentor extraction chemists and analysts, review results and non‑conformances, and uphold the laboratory’s accredited quality systems. The Bedford facility is a state‑of‑the‑art centre for ultra‑trace analysis, supporting multi‑year, national‑scale monitoring programmes such as the UK’s Chemical Investigations Programme, and staffed by around 100 scientists and support personnel.

Your impact in this position:

In the short term you will ensure reliable, timely delivery of analytical results and maintain instrument uptime. Over the medium term you will lead method development and validation to expand capability and respond to emerging regulatory requirements. Longer term you will shape technical standards, mentor colleagues and progress into senior technical or management roles responsible for significant project portfolios and client‑facing analytical programmes.

Core capabilities:

• Analytical leadership: Provide technical direction for sample workflows, interpret complex data and resolve anomalous results to support client decision‑making.
• Instrument operation and maintenance: Operate and maintain ICP‑MS and CV‑AFS (and related instrumentation), perform routine troubleshooting and manage preventative maintenance schedules.
• Method development and validation: Lead method development, validation and optimisation for environmental matrices, ensuring fit‑for‑purpose performance and regulatory compliance.
• Quality and data management: Implement and maintain UKAS‑aligned quality procedures, complete PT and quality reports, and ensure accurate LIMS data entry and result review.
• Team leadership and collaboration: Supervise, train and mentor analysts and extraction chemists; coordinate with clients and project teams to design tailored analytical programmes.

Skills, qualifications and experience:

BSc in Chemistry or related discipline, or equivalent industrial experience, demonstrable experience in an accredited analytical laboratory, proven ICP‑MS and CV‑AFS competence, experience with sample preparation for environmental matrices, familiarity with LIMS and accredited quality systems, experience with Agilent instrumentation/software and Microsoft Office and knowledge of environmental contaminants and regulatory testing.

Work patterns & locations

Full‑time, permanent position based at Tetra Tech’s Bedford laboratory in the Inorganic section. This role requires onsite laboratory presence typical of analytical work

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Why join Tetra Tech?

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.