Analytical Chemistry - Contract Assessor

Analytical Chemistry (Environmental) – Independent Contractor

Location: Remote (UK-based) with UK and potential international travel

Contract Type: Independent Contractor

About UKAS

UKAS is the UK’s National Accreditation Body, appointed by government to assess and accredit organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection, calibration and verification services. Our work underpins confidence in conformity assessment across the UK and internationally. We work with a wide range of independent technical experts who support our assessments on a contract basis.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Analytical Chemistry Technical Assessor (Environmental Chemistry) to support assessments within the AFLA area. This is a part‑time, independent contractor role.

Technical Assessors play a pivotal role in the UKAS assessment process, providing the specialist expertise needed to carry out robust, evidence‑based assessments of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories. The role involves reviewing technical competence, observing laboratory activities, and contributing to clear, high‑quality assessment reports.

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity to use your current, hands‑on technical knowledge to work with laboratories across the UK (and occasionally overseas), supporting confidence in environmental monitoring and continuous improvement against accreditation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the technical competence of laboratories through on‑site, remote and desk‑based assessments.
• Review and evaluate analytical methods, validation data, equipment, staff competence and technical records.
• Observe practical laboratory activities and follow technical audit trails to conclusion.
• Assess compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and relevant sector schemes, particularly MCERTS and DWTS.
• Produce clear, objective and evidence‑based assessment reports in line with UKAS requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Lead Assessors, Assessment Managers and laboratory staff during assessments.

What We’re Looking For

We are specifically looking to strengthen technical coverage with assessors who have recent, hands‑on bench experience and up‑to‑date technical knowledge.

Essential Experience

• Recent practical experience (not solely managerial) within an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing laboratory.
• Strong background in environmental analysis, including water, soil and/or air testing.
• Demonstrable experience in method development and/or method validation in the recent past.
• Sound understanding of internal and external quality control, data integrity and data performance checks.
• Practical knowledge of applicable regulatory and sector requirements.

Targeted Technical Skills

Core analytical techniques should include a combination of:

• Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)
• Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)
• High‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‑OES / ICP‑AES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‑MS)
• Ion Chromatography (IC)

Additional Skills and Attributes

• In‑depth, current technical knowledge relevant to environmental and analytical chemistry.
• Experience supporting and developing the technical aspects of a laboratory quality system.
• Some experience of internal or external auditing of laboratory technical activities (desirable).
• Strong analytical judgement and attention to technical detail.
• Confident, professional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with laboratory staff and management at all levels.

Typical Background

Successful applicants are likely to have a strong professional background within environmental or analytical chemistry testing laboratories, with a career history that demonstrates recent, hands‑on technical involvement rather than purely managerial responsibility.

This may include experience as a senior analyst, technical specialist, method development scientist, technical lead or similar role within an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, where maintaining technical competence and method validity formed a core part of the role.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their technical knowledge is current and actively applied, particularly in relation to environmental monitoring, analytical techniques and sector‑specific schemes such as MCERTS and DWTS.

Contract Details

• Contract type: Independent, self‑employed contractor
• Location: Remote, with UK‑wide coverage (occasional overseas work may arise)
• This role must be undertaken on an independent basis. Due to independence and impartiality requirements, it cannot be carried out alongside a full‑time employed role.

Full training will be provided to support you in becoming a UKAS Technical Assessor, including UKAS systems training, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard awareness and report‑writing to UKAS requirements.

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