Graduate Chemist

Entry-level Extraction Chemist role performing laboratory testing, sample preparation, and analysis to support environmental and regulatory projects.

RPS is looking for an Extraction Chemist to join our Laboratory Team based in Bedford.  This position is ideally suited to a recent Graduate in Chemistry (or closely related subject) and will build your experience of working in a fast-paced, commercial laboratory environment with rapidly changing priorities.

This is a full time, permanent role working 5 days per week Monday - Sunday.  Weekend working hours can be flexible dependant on business needs.

As part of the Extraction Development scheme you can see your salary rise through regular performance reviews. 

About The Team:

RPS Laboratories is a team of Analysts, Chemists, and Technicians that operate from purpose-built laboratory facilities which have a long history of providing expert advice and analytical solutions to the water, utilities, agrochemical and defence sector. Our laboratories enjoy an international reputation for solving complex and novel analytical problems in a wide variety of food, feed, and forage crops.

·      Our Bedford laboratory was one of the first laboratories in the UK to gain UKAS accreditation for the analysis of PFAS chemicals following the monitoring required at the Buncefield oil terminal.

About You:

As a key member of the Laboratories business, your role as a Extraction Chemist is critical to helping us conduct investigations and formulate effective solutions to help our clients comply with international quality standards, maximum residue limits (MRLs), environmental regulations, and much more.

By joining us you will collaborate with our clients, to design a tailored analytical programme to meet their complex regulatory needs. Leveraging our state-of-the-art instrumentation. You will be influential in providing analytical support during the remediation and clean-up project and subsequent routine monitoring.

Your Responsibilities:

• Follow established quality procedures to perform various types of sample extraction and preparation

• Maintain a working stock of consumables and chemicals, which are essential to perform daily activities and tasks

• Responsible for conducting a range of laboratory checks, including calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as pipettes, balances and other bench tools

• Work as part of a team to ensure that all other routine laboratory tasks are completed to ensure that the Laboratory operates smoothly

The job may involve the following possible hazards:

• Manual handling

• Handling chemicals and solvents

• Handling samples that are potentially biohazardous

• Handling of foods, including nuts

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory skills and techniques, including use of pipettes, balances, syringes, titrations, dilutions etc

• Good time management skills, attention to detail and ability to cope under pressure

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, seeking advice where necessary

• Understanding of Quality Control/Quality Assurance processes and their importance within a laboratory environment

• Ability to work with minimal supervision as well as part of a team.

• Good inter-personal and communication skills

What’s in it for you?

A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you’ll be supported as far as you want to go. A career here is far from ordinary. Here you’re not a number, you are part of the solution.

Why RPS?

We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work-life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment.

With agile offices offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.

About RPS, a Tetra Tech Company:

RPS, part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, is a global firm that defines, designs, and manages projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability.

As part of Tetra Tech’s 28,000-strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource-scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.

As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market-leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.