Analytical Scientist

Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom (On-site)

Job Description

Job title: Analytical Scientist
Location: Hamble, United Kingdom
Department: Global Technical Innovation Group (GTIG)
Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 37.5 hours per week

A brighter future awaits you.

CooperVision is one of the world's leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It's more than making contact lenses, it's about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We're all about bright futures - for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

At CooperVision, we're big on belonging. Everyone's contribution counts, and that's why inclusion and diversity are so important. It isn't just the right thing to do; it's what makes our company the best it can be. We are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace. Our Employee Resource Groups offer employees to grow within a safe and inclusive space. So be yourself, whoever you are, and let's achieve amazing things together.

Scope

Analytical Scientist role is responsible for development and qualification of new test methods and testing of raw materials and lens product as required by the CooperVision business units to ensure continued business production. Involvement in Investigational and Validation procedures enable the organisation to implement new products and continuously improve. Work in cross functional teams on material and process characterisation and improvement activities.

Job summary - What to expect

The Material Science Team within the Global Technical Innovation Group (GTIG) consists of Chemists and Analytical Scientist mastering the science of our materials and their associated interactions and providing expert services to sustain and improve performance as well as supporting the growth of the business by qualifying new material sources and supporting suppliers with scale up projects.

This role is a permanent position within the Material Science analytical team within GTIG and involves characterization, development, and quality evaluation of materials and products within our laboratory. Strong expertise in liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) is required, with hands on experience in LC MS and GC MS being essential.

This role will be responsible for designing and performing analytical experiments, developing and validating methods, interpreting complex data sets, and preparing clear technical reports. In addition to core chromatographic techniques, knowledge of complementary analytical methods such as DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and UV VIS spectroscopy is highly desirable.

This role requires strong problem solving abilities, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to laboratory work. The job holder will collaborate with cross functional teams, contribute to troubleshooting initiatives, and help ensure the integrity and reliability of analytical results that support key scientific and business objectives.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities

• Analysis of raw materials and lens samples and generating documentation following laboratory practices and procedures.
• Reporting results to customers after peer review in a timely manner and using the required reporting formats.
• Develop and validate HPLC and GC analytical methods to applicable standards (i.e., FDA, ICH, ISO17025 or GLP).
• Identify and develop new methods for the characterization of chemicals and materials including the qualification of the methods.
• Design, develop and implement effective experimental strategies, and execute experiments with minimal supervision. Troubleshoot when problems arise.
• Analyze data using statistical techniques, write technical reports and create presentations.
• Keep others informed on project progress and issues.
• Stay informed and educated with technological advances to assist with product development.
• Support analytical projects within the Material Science team and across CooperVision.
• Provide training on instrumentation and analytical techniques.
• Participate in laboratory investigations following local documentation and maintain records of investigations ensuring these are relevant and timely.
• Receipt, logging and storage of samples following laboratory procedures.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment adhering to all health and safety procedures.
• Perform all required daily checks and calibrations on instrumentation when required and used.
• Maintain all lab instruments so they are kept in a state of 'ready to use', reporting incidents and faults as required.
• Maintain training records in Agile, ensuring that all documents required for their job roles are kept up to date.
• Follow the guidelines in the laboratory practice SOP and associated Work Instructions for all data recording.

Travel Requirements

The role may involve some travel to other CooperVision sites within the UK ( 2%) and other domestic travel for training ( 2%). It might also require travel to CooperVision sites outside of the UK ( 5%).

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of (HPLC and/or GC) method development (including Mass Spectrometry) and validation to applicable standards such as FDA, ICH, ISO17025 or GLP.
• Knowledge and understanding of ISO 10993 Part 12 and 18.
• Experience of GC MS and/or LC MS preferred essential.
• Ability to read and understand highly technical material.
• Technical report writing experience.
• Knowledge of silicone chemistry/methacrylate monomers.
• Data analysis and presentation.
• Knowledge of basic statistical techniques.
• Effective teamwork skills.
• Highly organized: Proven ability to manage workload effectively and plan accordingly.
• Self directed: Ability to work independently on multiple, often conflicting, priorities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure.
• Flexibility in accepting work assignments as required by the needs of the business.
• Intermediate skill in the use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Advanced preferred.

Work Environment

• Laboratory and office based (primarily at South Point 1 but covering all CooperVision sites as required).
• Exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
• Prolonged sitting in front of a computer.

Experience

Minimum of 0 3 years' experience depending on degree level.

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree with minimum 3 years' experience in Chemistry or related field.
• Master of Science degree with minimum 2 years' experience in Chemistry or related field.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field of study, with no additional experience required.

What we offer

You'll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more!

We are committed to our employees' personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we'll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours.

We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.

What you can expect

If you like what you see, take the first step towards your Brighter Future and apply today! All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.

Please view our careers page at to view all other opportunities.

• Locations Ensign Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4RF, GB (On-site)