Development Chemist (Mechanochemistry) - Fixed Term 12 Months (Extendable)

FluoRok; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private pension

Private health insurance

Group life insurance

Share options plan

Job summary

FluoRok is recruiting for a fixed-term role at ARC Oxford to advance synthesis of fluorinated compounds using mechanochemical methods. The 12-month appointment offers potential extension based on project progress and performance.

Work will span both R&D laboratories and pilot-scale production, with opportunities to contribute to scalable routes in a fast-growing, venture-backed deep-tech environment.

Qualifications

• Chemistry degree (BSc/MChem/MSc or equivalent) with 2+ years of relevant R&D experience.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanochemistry, solid-state chemistry, or related processing technologies in industry or academia.
• Experience troubleshooting process development in an R&D setting.
• Hands-on experience with a ball mill.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply a range of synthetic and analytical methodologies to make industrially relevant, next generation synthesis of fluorinated compounds across a range of scales (up to kg scale).
• Tackle R&D and process development challenges and develop new routes to fluorochemicals using our latest technology.
• Design, execute, and analyse experimental work in inorganic and/or organic synthesis using mechanochemical equipment, including ball mills, extruders and related solid-state processing technologies

Skills

Mechanochemistry

Solid-state chemistry

Ball milling

R&D experience

Process development

Education

Chemistry degree (BSc/MChem/MSc or equivalent)

Job description

About Us

At FluoRok, we are reimagining how the world manufactures fluorochemicals. As an Oxford University spin-out backed by leading venture capital investors, we are developing breakthrough technologies that make the production of essential fluorinated materials safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.

Our innovations have the potential to transform supply chains that support battery technologies, healthcare, agriculture, and advanced materials, helping accelerate electrification while reducing the environmental footprint of chemical manufacturing.

Located at ARC Oxford, you'll work in a cutting-edge environment spanning both advanced R&D laboratories and pilot-scale production facilities. Joining FluoRok means becoming part of a fast-growing team tackling some of the most important challenges in sustainable industrial chemistry.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the journey of a venture-backed deep-tech company as it scales from scientific innovation to global industrial impact.

Overview

This is an initial 12-month fixed-term appointment, with a strong opportunity for extension based on project progress and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply a range of synthetic and analytical methodologies to make industrially relevant, next generation synthesis of fluorinated compounds across a range of scales (up to kg scale)
• Tackle R&D and process development challenges and develop new routes to fluorochemicals using our latest technology
• Design, execute, and analyse experimental work in inorganic and/or organic synthesis using mechanochemical equipment, including ball mills, extruders and related solid-state processing technologies

Requirements

Essential

• Chemistry degree (BSc/MChem/MSc or equivalent) and 2+ years of relevant R&D experience
• Demonstrated experience in mechanochemistry, solid-state chemistry, or related processing technologies, gained in either an industrial or academic environment
• Experience troubleshooting process development in an R&D setting
• Hands-on experience with a ball mill
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Experience working at kilogram scale
• Hands-on experience with other solid-state processing equipment
• Experience in fluorine chemistry and inorganic synthesis

Benefits

Competitive salary £38,000 - £45,000 per annum

We offer a competitive benefits package with private pension, private health insurance, group life insurance and share options plan.