Senior Analytical Scientist - LC-MS/MS & Method Development
LGC Group · Fordham, England, United Kingdom
Develop the next generation of analytical methods used to detect banned substances in sport and specialist testing programmes worldwide.
LGC Assure Sports & Specialised Analytical Services is a globally recognised testing laboratory specialising in anti-doping and sports medication control, human drug testing, and supplement certification. Our work supports sporting organisations, regulators, and customers around the world, helping to protect the integrity of sport and ensure confidence in testing outcomes.
We are looking for an experienced analytical scientist to join our Innovation team at LGC Assure in Fordham. This is a hands-on role focused on independently developing, optimising and validating analytical methods using LC-MS, troubleshooting complex analytical challenges and developing new testing solutions to support our specialist laboratories.
Working across different areas of the business, you will take ownership of method development projects from initial investigation through to validation and implementation. You'll need strong practical LC-MS expertise, a structured approach to problem-solving and the ability to deliver robust analytical solutions within a busy commercial testing environment, balancing multiple projects and deadlines.
If you enjoy solving complex analytical problems, developing new approaches and working collaboratively to turn scientific challenges into practical solutions, this could be an excellent opportunity to make a direct impact on our scientific capabilities.
What you'll be doing
- Independently develop, optimise and validate analytical methods using LC-MS, taking ownership of projects from initial feasibility and method development through to validation and implementation.
- Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges, identifying root causes and developing practical solutions to improve method performance and analytical reliability.
- Develop and optimise extraction methods and sample preparation workflows to meet different sample matrix and testing requirements.
- Configure, operate and optimise LC-MS instrumentation to generate reliable, high-quality analytical data.
- Analyse and interpret complex scientific data, identifying trends, investigating issues and supporting evidence-based decisions.
- Support innovation projects across the business, working with laboratory teams to develop new testing capabilities and improve existing methods.
- Manage multiple projects and competing priorities, delivering high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
- Produce clear scientific documentation, including technical reports, validation summaries, standard operating procedures and project updates.
- Present scientific findings and project outcomes confidently to internal teams and external customers.
- Support customer discussions by explaining analytical approaches, providing scientific insight and contributing to technical solutions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory processes, analytical methods and ways of working.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure work is completed in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements and applicable quality standards.
You are an experienced analytical scientist with strong practical LC-MS expertise and a track record of developing and improving analytical methods. You're comfortable taking ownership of scientific challenges, investigating problems independently and working with colleagues across different disciplines to deliver effective solutions.
You enjoy working in a fast-paced laboratory environment where scientific quality, customer requirements and delivery deadlines are equally important.
You will have:
- A degree in Chemistry or a relevant scientific discipline.
- Significant, recent hands-on experience using LC-MS instrumentation in an analytical laboratory.
- Demonstrable experience independently developing, optimising and validating analytical methods, rather than solely operating established methods or providing instrument support.
- Practical experience troubleshooting analytical methods and instrumentation, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
- Experience developing extraction methods and sample preparation workflows.
- Experience working in a busy analytical laboratory, ideally within commercial testing, contract testing or a similarly delivery-focused environment.
- A sound understanding of chromatography and analytical method validation principles.
- The ability to interpret complex analytical data and communicate scientific findings clearly.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise competing demands and deliver to deadlines.
- Excellent written communication skills, including experience producing technical reports and scientific documentation.
- Confidence presenting scientific information to a range of audiences, both internally and externally.
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team while independently managing your own workload.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation standards and laboratory quality systems.
- Experience with GC-MS/MS, high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) analysis, or anti-doping, sports medication or supplement testing would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why join us?
You'll join a specialist scientific team where your expertise will directly contribute to developing new analytical capabilities and solutions that support our customers and the wider business. This is an opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge to a varied range of testing challenges, collaborate with experienced colleagues and help shape the future of our analytical capabilities.
Location: This role is based full-time at our Fordham laboratory near Newmarket. The site is rural, so please consider the practicalities of commuting to the location daily.
Our Values
- Passion
- Curiosity
- Integrity
- Brilliance
- Respect
Equal opportunities
We are committed to ensuring that every job applicant and employee is valued for their individual talents. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or parental status, religion, or belief. We proudly support an inclusive work environment where everyone can compete and succeed based on their merits.
For more information about us, please visit our website: www.lgcassure.com