Analytical Chemist – Greenpeace

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, meticulous and experienced

Analytical Chemist to join Greenpeace, the world’s most iconic and determined campaigning organisation.

This post is based at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories (GRL) in Exeter.

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, in order to protect and conserve the environment and promote peace. To maintain their independence and enable them to campaign without fear of compromise, they never accept corporate or government donations, relying wholly on donations from their individual supporters.

As part of a big push to increase support for their causes, they’re looking for a passionate Analytical Scientist to work closely with other GRL staff to commission and carry out routine analysis and research using a Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) system and to contribute to the design of field sampling projects and, where appropriate, help carry them out.

You will also keep abreast of scientific literature with special reference to LC-MS, participate in the review of documents and support campaign projects. Helping to increase Greenpeace’s scientific credibility and connection to the scientific community in the field of analytical chemistry, plus researching specific scientific subjects of interest to relevant Greenpeace campaigns and preparing technical briefings, are also key requirements of this role.

This vital position will also see you:

• Develop and apply analytical methods for analysis of pesticide residues in foodstuffs and in environmental media, as well as for other key contaminant groups of interest to Greenpeace
• Explore the potential for use of LC-MS analyses to complement existing programmes of qualitative forensic analysis of complex environmental and waste samples and for identification of characteristic metabolites in wood and other plant-derived samples
• Prepare key Greenpeace work for publication in the form of peer-reviewed articles

Holding a PhD in a scientific discipline, preferably related to organic chemical analysis using mass spectrometry techniques, you will also have sound knowledge of scientific areas, including the analysis of environmental, food or waste materials for chemical contaminants or additives. You will also possess the ability to develop and apply analytical methods using Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry in the fields of quantitative analysis of food and environmental samples and qualitative environmental forensic analysis. An understanding of a campaigning or similar organisation, with knowledge of the strategic use of science in campaigning, is essential.

In addition, you will have:

• Strong inter-personal and communication skills, verbal and written, with the ability to convey scientific information to non‑scientific individuals/groups, including public speaking and scientific conferences
• The ability to prioritise and organise own work and to work as part of a cross-disciplinary team
• Experience of developing and maintaining administrative systems

Greenpeace stands for positive change through action and everyone who works for us is passionate about what we’re trying to achieve. Join us and you’ll be part of an action-led, ambitious organisation, which prides itself on being an inspiring place to work.