Chemist - Carbon Materials

Nicholas Associates Group; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is seeking a talented Chemist to develop innovative Carbon materials in Sheffield. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in chemistry and experience in catalyst development. Responsibilities include designing processes for high value Carbon products and characterising materials. Benefits include pension contributions and relocation assistance.

Benefits

Pension contributions

Relocation assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• An advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. in chemistry.
• Proven experience of post-university research in Carbon materials.
• Experience with microwave energy-driven chemical reactions highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of characteristics of Carbon materials.

Responsibilities

• Designing routes to generate high value carbon materials.
• Evaluating the suitability of upgraded Carbon materials.
• Characterising Carbon materials using relevant techniques.
• Optimising processes for generating high value Carbon products.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams for Carbon material production.

Skills

Microwave energy-driven chemical reactions

Characteristics of Carbon materials

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry

Tools

BET

XRD

SEM

Job description

• Job Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
• Job Type: Permanent
• Posted on: 18th Sep 2025
• Job Reference: JN -092025-63515_1758185001

Salary £40-55K, commensurate with experience + benefits

Nicholas Associates has an excellent opportunity for a Chemist - Carbon Materials to work with an innovative & cutting edge client in Sheffield.

The Role

We are seeking a talented Chemist to lead the development of Carbon materials generated by our client's new technology. The ideal candidate will also have experience in catalyst development and optimisation.

Responsibilities

As part of the technical team, the Chemist's responsibilities will include:

• Designing routes to generate high value carbon materials from a base Carbon material (e.g. activated Carbon or hard Carbon).
• Evaluating the suitability of upgraded Carbon materials for high value applications.
• Characterising Carbon materials using relevant techniques such as BET, XRD, SEM, etc.
• Optimising processes for generating high value Carbon products to ensure minimal energy/consumables usage for the optimal product.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop practical production methods for the developed Carbon materials.
• Assisting the engineering team in scale-up activities for Carbon production from grams to kilograms to tonnes.
• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and maintaining a clean and organised laboratory workspace (e.g. risk assessment and COSHH).
• Designing separation methods to purify Carbon materials.
• Line management for 1 other Chemist.

Qualifications, experience and skills

• An advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. in chemistry
• Proven experience of post-university research in Carbon materials or a related field
• Experience with microwave energy-driven chemical reactions highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Characteristics of Carbon materials and routes to generate them (e.g. Carbon activation processes)
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and practices.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate research findings.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

What we can offer you

• Pension - Employers pension contributions of 5% to accompany a 3% employees contribution
• Relocation assistance
• Confidential counselling service via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• All applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.

For more information on this vacancy please contact uson 07856 919293.