Development Chemist

Whitehall Recruitment Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist recruitment agency is seeking an Innovation Chemist to provide technical support in R&D for adhesive products. The role involves laboratory work, coordination with production, and documentation management. Candidates should have a degree in Chemistry or related fields and experience in a lab environment, along with strong communication and organisational skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of chemical handling procedures and Health & Safety regulations.
• Proficiency in operating laboratory machinery accurately.
• Effective written communication and scientific reporting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the Innovation Manager for R&D.
• Conduct scientific analysis and prepare technical reports.
• Support product development from laboratory to production.
• Liaise with suppliers and manage chemical inventory.
• Conduct COSHH assessments for chemicals.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Data management

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related

Job description

Innovation Chemist - R&D - Chemist - Research and Development - Adhesives - Security Printing

Our client is a small independent security products manufacturer and solutions provider. They are a well-established SME with clients worldwide, providing products including personal identification and document security using holography, security printing and printed electronics.

For this role you will provide technical and research support to the Innovation Manager, contributing to the development, testing, and implementation of new adhesive products and related materials. This role involves hands‑on laboratory work, coordination with production and quality teams, and responsibility for maintaining accurate documentation and safe working practices.

About the Role:

• Technical support to the Innovation Manager, including but not limited to:
• Participating in R&D projects and trials, such as adhesive formulation, materials selection and testing, and process optimisation.
• Conducting scientific analysis, interpreting data, and preparing technical reports.
• Supporting product development from laboratory to large‑scale production.
• Assisting with materials and process engineering issues with the Production Department.
• Supporting Quality and Compliance teams through technical investigations.
• Performing general tasks to ensure the efficient operation of the Innovations Department.
• Supplier communication: Liaise with suppliers regarding materials, technical data, and procurement.
• Sample preparation: Produce samples for trials, exhibitions, and customer evaluations.
• Health & Safety compliance: Conduct COSHH assessments for all stored and newly purchased chemicals.
• Laboratory inventory management: Maintain accurate chemical stock records, place orders, and ensure proper storage.
• Adhesive preparation: Mix adhesives as required for R&D and production purposes.
• Quality support: Perform product testing during the absence of the Quality Assurance Technician.
• Reporting and data management: Compile technical reports, maintain research documentation, and manage experimental data.
• Patent research: Conduct patent searches to support innovation and intellectual property initiatives.

Requirements:

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of chemical handling procedures and Health & Safety regulations.
• Proficiency in operating laboratory and desktop‑scale machinery with care and accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Effective written communication and scientific reporting abilities.
• Good time management and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Competence in data management and technical documentation.

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