Chemist

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

Chemist (Chemistry R&D) I Oxford I £40k - £50k (dependent on experience)

The Role

As a Chemist within HydRegen's Chemistry R&D team, you'll play a key role in developing, optimising and scaling catalytic hydrogenation processes. Working in a hands‑on laboratory environment, you'll be responsible for designing experiments, operating pressure reactors and delivering high-quality scientific data that supports product development and customer projects.

Key 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.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• A degree in Chemistry, Industrial Biotechnology, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Previous industrial laboratory experience within catalytic hydrogenation, process chemistry, organic synthesis or reaction development.
• Hands‑on experience operating pressurised stirred‑tank reactors, pressure vessels or autoclaves.
• Strong knowledge of hydrogenation processes, pressure‑system safety and reaction optimisation.
• Experience using analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR and UV spectroscopy.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organisational and communication skills.
• A proactive approach with a strong focus on quality, safety and continuous improvement.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE), process scale‑up, continuous flow chemistry or statistical data analysis would be advantageous but is not essential.

Apply Today

If you're looking to join a forward‑thinking organisation where you can contribute to the future of sustainable chemical manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you. HydRegen welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourages applications from those who may not meet every listed requirement but can demonstrate the relevant skills and experience.