Catalytic Hydrogenation Chemist — R&D & Scale-Up

HydRegen; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

HydRegen is seeking a Chemist (Chemistry R&D) in Oxford to develop, optimise and scale catalytic hydrogenation processes in a hands-on laboratory environment. You will design experiments, operate pressure reactors and deliver high‑quality data to support product development.

Requirements include a degree in Chemistry or a related field and industrial laboratory experience in catalytic hydrogenation or process chemistry.

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Industrial laboratory experience in catalytic hydrogenation or process chemistry.
• Hands-on experience operating pressurised reactors, pressure vessels or autoclaves.
• Knowledge of hydrogenation processes, pressure-system safety and reaction optimisation.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR and UV spectroscopy.
• Excellent problem-solving, organisational and communication skills.
• Proactive approach with a strong focus on quality, safety and continuous improvement.
• Experience with DoE, process scale-up or statistical data analysis is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute catalytic hydrogenation experiments using pressure reactors and autoclaves.
• Optimise reaction conditions through structured experimentation and data-driven approaches.
• Develop scalable hydrogenation processes from laboratory through to pilot scale.
• Design downstream purification strategies, including filtration, extraction and phase separation.
• Analyse experimental data and produce clear technical reports and documentation.
• Operate analytical equipment including HPLC, NMR and UV spectroscopy.
• Maintain the highest standards of laboratory safety, risk assessment and regulatory compliance.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to deliver successful projects.
• Contribute to the development of next-generation products and technologies.
• Support a positive, collaborative and safety-focused laboratory culture.

Skills

Industrial laboratory experience

Problem solving

Communication skills

DoE knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Pressure reactors

Autoclaves

HPLC

NMR

UV spectroscopy

Job description

HydRegen is seeking a Chemist (Chemistry R&D) in Oxford to develop, optimise and scale catalytic hydrogenation processes in a hands-on laboratory environment. You will design experiments, operate pressure reactors and deliver high‑quality data to support product development.

Requirements include a degree in Chemistry or a related field and industrial laboratory experience in catalytic hydrogenation or process chemistry.