Jobs at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) (Now Hiring) — 6 open

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

• Once 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 (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Financial protection through life assurance and income protection

• Enhanced family-friendly policies

• Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role)

• Lifestyle perks including dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts

• A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives

• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services

• Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution

• Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes

• Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply)

Our commitment to inclusion

At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

Our approach to AI and applications

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to support their application. We encourage you to ensure your submission reflects your own experience, skills and suitability for the role. Every application that meets the essential criteria will be reviewed by our recruitment panel.

A note on sponsorship

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.