Chemist

Smart4 Sciences; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and progression

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on QC role

Strong manufacturer reputation

Job summary

Smart4 Sciences, a leading coatings manufacturer, is seeking a Chemist for its North West facility to join a hands-on laboratory team. Reporting to the Lab R&D Manager, you will perform quality control testing on raw materials, colourants, in-process batches and finished products, and support batch release to ensure high product standards.

You will investigate quality issues, assist with colour matching and formulation support, calibrate equipment, and maintain accurate records.

Qualifications

• Scientific qualification such as a degree or equivalent is desirable; strong practical labo ratory experience will be considered.
• Experience in QC, technical laboratory or coatings testing environments is beneficial.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem solving are essential.

Responsibilities

• Carry out quality control testing on raw materials, colorants, in-process batches and finished products against specs.
• Perform lab testing including viscosity, density, pH, opacity, gloss, colour, drying time and adhesion.
• Assist with batch approval and product release through accurate testing and data evaluation.
• Investigate quality, production and customer-related issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment; ensure reliable testing results.
• Collaborate with Production, Technical and Procurement to support quality improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Laboratory testing

Quality control

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Chemistry

Job description

We are working with a leading manufacturer of premium decorative coatings to recruit a Chemist for their North West facility.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on laboratory professional to join a well-established coatings manufacturer with a reputation for producing high-quality, technically advanced products. Reporting to the Lab R&D Manager, you will play a key role in quality control, technical problem-solving, batch release, and supporting manufacturing operations to ensure consistently high product standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out quality control testing on raw materials, colorants, in-process batches, and finished products against established specifications.
• Perform laboratory testing including viscosity, density, pH, opacity, gloss, colour, drying time, scrub resistance, adhesion, stability, and application assessments.
• Support batch approval and product release activities through accurate testing and result evaluation.
• Investigate quality, production, and customer-related technical issues, recommending corrective actions where required.
• Assist with colour matching, shade adjustment, tinting accuracy, and product consistency checks.
• Prepare laboratory samples, drawdowns, application panels, and performance trials.
• Maintain accurate quality records, specifications, test reports, and supporting documentation.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable and consistent testing.
• Work closely with Production, Technical, and Procurement teams to support quality improvements and issue resolution.
• Assist with raw material evaluations, benchmarking activities, and formulation support projects.

Experience:

Candidates should have previous experience within a QC, technical laboratory, or coatings testing environment, ideally within paints, coatings, chemicals, or a manufacturing setting. Experience carrying out laboratory testing, batch approval activities, and investigating quality issues would be highly beneficial.

Requirements:

A scientific qualification such as a Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent is desirable, although strong practical laboratory experience will also be considered. Applicants should possess excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a good understanding of quality control procedures and safe laboratory practices.

What's on Offer:

• Opportunity to join a respected manufacturer with a strong reputation for premium products.
• Varied and hands-on technical role with responsibility across quality control and manufacturing support.
• Collaborative working environment with close interaction between laboratory and production teams.
• Ongoing training, development, and progression opportunities within the technical function.