Chemist - Gas Phase Reaction Kinetics

Green Recruitment Company; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a practical Chemist to join a UK-based advanced engineering company specializing in industrial innovation. This role requires a PhD in Chemistry and experience with analytical techniques to explore gas-phase reaction kinetics. Key responsibilities include operating advanced analytical instruments, preparing samples, and analyzing complex datasets to support sustainability initiatives in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry with at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience or 1 year in industry.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as GC, FTIR, and ICP-MS.
• Strong skills in sample preparation ensuring precision.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced analytical instruments to monitor reactions.
• Prepare samples for kinetic studies ensuring data integrity.
• Analyse and interpret complex analytical datasets.

Skills

Analytical techniques (GC, FTIR, ICP-MS)

Sample preparation for kinetic studies

Data interpretation

Laboratory safety practices

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related discipline

Tools

GC

FTIR

ICP-MS

Kinetic modelling software (e.g., DynoChem)

Job description

TGRC has partnered with a UK-based applied science and advanced engineering company leading the way in industrial innovation. Through a multidisciplinary approach spanning the automotive, aerospace, and chemical industries, the company is advancing sustainability by helping manufacturers integrate carbon-derived silica and substantially reduce emissions.

Our client is seeking a practical, research-focused Chemist to join a project exploring the kinetics of gas-phase reactions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of analytical chemistry, kinetic studies, and catalyst development, requiring both technical expertise and a creative, problem-solving mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain advanced analytical instruments (GC, FTIR) to monitor reactants, products, and intermediates.

• Prepare samples for kinetic studies while ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and data integrity across all experimental campaigns.

• Utilize a strong understanding of chemical reaction pathways, intermediates, and kinetics to interpret experimental results and inform future study design.

• Analyse and interpret complex analytical datasets, correlating outcomes with kinetic models and underlying reaction mechanisms.

• Establish and uphold rigorous safety protocols for chemical handling and analytical instrument operation.

• Prepare, characterize (e.g., BET, TGA, XRD), and assess catalysts under both flow and batch conditions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable, efficient, and sustainable chemical processes.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of experimental methodologies, analytical findings, and equipment maintenance records.

Required Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry (Physical, Analytical, or a related discipline) with at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience, or a minimum of 1 year in an industrial or startup environment.

• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as GC, FTIR, and ICP-MS.

• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and interpretation of kinetic data.

• Strong skills in sample preparation for kinetic studies, ensuring precision and data reliability.

• Commitment to best practices in laboratory safety, chemical handling, and instrument maintenance.

Preferred Experience:

• Background in catalyst synthesis, characterization (e.g., BET, TGA, XRD), and testing in both flow and batch systems.

• Familiarity with kinetic modelling software (e.g., DynoChem) or equivalent computational tools.

• Proven ability to interpret complex analytical datasets and connect results to kinetic and mechanistic models.