Biomedical Scientist jobs in West Yorkshire

Lead Analytical Scientist

Location: Sheffield Assay Office, Guardians’ Hall, Beulah Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield S6 2AN
Job Type: Full-time
Reporting To: Assay Master and Head of Commercial Operations

About Us

Sheffield Analytical Services is a UKAS-accredited laboratory and part of Sheffield Assay Office, one of the UK’s leading centres for precious metals testing, analysis and technical expertise. We serve customers across a range of industries and are looking to strengthen our technical leadership, develop new capabilities and broaden the services we provide.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Lead Analytical Scientist to sit above our current Senior Analysts and play a key role in the day-to-day coordination, technical development and future direction of the laboratory.

The postholder will combine hands-on analytical work with technical leadership and team oversight. They will support the effective delivery of existing services while helping to identify new analytical capabilities, markets and commercial opportunities. We particularly welcome applicants with experience outside our current areas of expertise who can bring fresh knowledge and industry insight to the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, direction and day-to-day guidance to the Senior Analysts and wider laboratory team.
• Coordinate workloads, priorities and resources to meet customer requirements, quality standards and agreed turnaround times.
• Provide senior oversight of the laboratory when required and support the effective day-to-day operation of the department.
• Undertake analytical testing and operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including ICP-OES, ICP-MS and gas analysis systems.
• Lead the development, validation and implementation of new analytical methods and services.
• Support and continually improve the laboratory’s ISO 17025 quality management system.
• Develop colleagues by sharing technical knowledge, experience and best practice.
• Coordinate equipment servicing, maintenance and breakdown response, maintaining accurate records and technical documentation.
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment and analytical capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to diversify the laboratory’s services and provide technical input into customer enquiries and new business opportunities.
• Work collaboratively across Sheffield Assay Office and undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

About You

You will be an experienced analytical scientist with strong technical capability and previous laboratory management, team leadership or supervisory experience. You will be confident directing and supporting colleagues while remaining actively involved in laboratory work, taking ownership of technical challenges and contributing ideas for the future development of the department.

We are particularly interested in candidates from a different analytical sector who can help us expand our expertise, enter new markets and develop additional laboratory services.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, Physical Sciences or a related discipline.
• At least ten years’ relevant experience in an analytical laboratory environment.
• Laboratory management, team leadership or supervisory experience.
• Practical experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in a quality-managed laboratory environment, ideally ISO 17025.
• Experience of analytical method development and validation.
• Strong data analysis, reporting, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive, commercially aware approach with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Experience using ICP-OES, ICP-MS or gas analysis equipment.
• Experience in an analytical field outside our current core expertise.
• A track record of developing new analytical methods, services or commercial opportunities.
• Experience in precious metals, metallurgical, materials or environmental analysis.
• Experience supporting UKAS accreditation, audits or quality assurance programmes, and familiarity with LIMS.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and company pension scheme.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• A varied and influential role within a respected UK analytical laboratory.
• The opportunity to help shape the future direction, growth and diversification of Sheffield Analytical Services.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability, laboratory leadership experience and how your technical background could contribute to the future development of Sheffield Analytical Services. Closing date 5th August 2026.

Pay: From £35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free flu jabs

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Experience:

• Management: 5 years (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person