Chemist

Whitehall Recruitment Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Development Chemist to join a specialist in coated plastic products. The role involves developing and optimizing coating formulations and techniques, working with production teams, and conducting laboratory tests. The ideal candidate has a degree in Chemistry and experience in polymer chemistry. This full-time position offers competitive benefits including private health insurance and a performance bonus.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Private health insurance

Company performance bonus

Enhanced parental leave

Life insurance

Annual leave including bank holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and optimizing coating formulations.
• Strong background in polymer chemistry.
• Familiarity with water-based inks and primers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize coating formulations and techniques.
• Design and implement novel inks and primers.
• Conduct lab experiments to test and evaluate coatings.

Skills

Coating formulation development

Excimer technology

UV lacquers

Sustainability practices

Laboratory testing

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Coatings Chemist/Polymer Chemist/Materials Scientist/Development Chemist/Research Chemist

Coatings/UV/Lacquers/Packaging/Films

Our Client is a leading global specialist for coated high-quality plastic films, sheets and other plastic products. Due to succession planning, our Client is seeking to recruit an experienced Development Chemist to join their Coatings division to further develop 2D coating film predominantly for interior use.

Chemist Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimise coating formulations and techniques, including excimer, UV and 2K lacquers for PVC furniture films.
• Design and implement novel water-based inks and primers, enhancing performance and sustainability across products.
• Serve as a specialist in embossing techniques, creating innovative textures and patterns to enhance surface aesthetics.
• Introduce new features to surfaces, improving functionality and aligning with market trends.
• Develop and evaluate new products for new and existing applications, bringing them to market speedily and effectively.
• To support product qualification and approval programmes in support of the NPD&I portfolio where appropriate.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and testing to evaluate the properties and characteristics of films and surface coatings.
• Work with production personnel and provide technical support and assistance as required to resolve production and quality issues in support of new and existing products.
• Provide technical support to customers regarding product specifications, application techniques, and troubleshooting assistance.
• Assist in the evaluation of raw materials, suppliers, and vendors to ensure compliance with quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability requirements.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as required for customer visits, training sessions, and industry events and work after hours as needed to support trials and customer requirements.

Package and Benefits for the Successful Chemist

• Full time role 35.5hrs per week Mon-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-3. Homeworking not an option except in emergencies.
• Employer contributions of up to 9% depending on employee contributions
• EAP
• Health and wellbeing initiatives,
• Employee benefits hub,
• Private health insurance
• Company performance bonus (not guaranteed) but awarded annually in December
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Company sick pay
• Life insurance
• Annual leave; 25 days plus 2 days (fixed at Christmas) this is 3 days for 2025 only plus all bank holidays

Whitehall is the Recruitment Specialist for the Chemical, Polymer, Coatings and Life Science Industries.