Development Scientist - Electrochemical Heavy Metal Sensing

Integrated Graphene Ltd; Stirling; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

iGii have an exciting opportunity for a Development Scientist to join their rapidly expanding R&D department. You will join our Energy & Catalysis team, with the opportunity to become a key contributor to the development of our heavy metal sensing capabilities.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a high-growth environment with a fast-paced and collaborative culture where you will work with some fantastic customers conducting research at the forefront of science and technology.

Your purpose in the role

You will be responsible for the development of sensors for the electrochemical detection of heavy metals in water. Your main accountabilities will be:

1. Energy and Catalysis development
2. Characterisation and Testing
3. Experimental execution
4. Data processing
5. Technical presentations

What you will do

1. Develop Gii electrodes for energy, catalysis and heavy metal sensing applications, with a focus on commercially viable solutions utilizing established industry methods and materials.
2. Develop novel methodologies and process optimization routes relevant to heavy metal sensing. Knowledge of electrochemistry is essential.
3. Performance assessment and benchmarking against SPEs and Au electrodes using two or three electrodes' setups.
4. Preparation and optimization of a range of buffer solutions suitable for heavy metal sensing.
5. Run accumulation and stripping experiments using appropriate electrochemical techniques with optimized parameters. Knowledge of voltametric techniques such as ASV, SWV, DPV, CV, LSV is an essential requirement.
6. Detection of heavy metal ions using Gii electrodes from ppm to ppb range.
7. Prior experience in electroplating or electrodeposition could be advantageous for this role.

How you will succeed

1. Collaborate and innovate with colleagues in R&D and Engineering on the development of products and processes for several applications.
2. Demonstrating compliance and contribution to the companies safe operations in accordance with company Health & Safety policy and strategy. This includes the safe operation of process associated equipment and material handling.
3. Rigorous experiment and data management: experimental execution, analysis and interpretation must be credible and defensible to drive product development from concept to scale-up.
4. Participate in team meetings and progress updates, presenting results to your colleagues regularly.
5. Prepare technical documentation including standard operating procedures and reports.
6. Staying up to date with current industry and research trends.

Who we are looking for

1. The successful candidate will have core knowledge and understanding of electrochemistry principles.
2. Ability to demonstrate lab-based use and development of complex protocols accurately and suggest ideas for possible method improvements.
3. A self-sufficient individual capable of applying and evaluating appropriate electrochemical techniques within a sensor development environment using low concentration of analytes.
4. Experience developing sensors/nanotechnology for heavy metal detection.
5. An appreciation for the regulatory requirements for the detection of environmental pollutants.
6. Can demonstrate knowledge and experience of safe working practices in an R&D environment when handling, using and storing heavy metals, and a solid understanding of GLP and standard laboratory techniques and practices.
7. Rigorous experimental approach and proficient data management skills.
8. To be successful you will have excellent communications skills and experience presenting high quality research reports and publications to technical and non-technical audiences.
9. Demonstration of continuous learning and development throughout career.
10. Successful candidates will hold a PhD in a relevant Chemistry degree and/or a master's degree with relevant industry experience.

Training will be provided, any additional skills or experience in the following area will be considered advantageous:

1. Experience within a professional scientific environment in recent years, either as a recent PhD graduate candidate or a holder of master's degree with thorough work experience in a similar role.
2. Experience in working within wider R&D projects within assay development or energy and catalysis applications.
3. Previous experience working within a regulatory environment.

What we offer

This role is offered as a full-time position, working hours are 37.5 hours per week. Please talk to us about alternative working arrangements.

In addition to a competitive salary with a focus on growth and development, we offer 33 days annual leave (statutory days included), life insurance, income protection, training opportunities and flexible working hours. We take great pride in being social: we meet regularly as a Company and as teams, sharing ideas over breakfast or lunch and recognise milestones at a team and individual level.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities; this role is eligible for sponsorship in the UK, subject to meeting the UK Visa and Immigration criteria.

We are scaling up rapidly and value our culture, you will shape the company's future innovation capabilities through your ideas and skillset. Join us now to shape your career.

Where we are

We are based in Stirling in central Scotland, a city with rich historical significance. As well as being historic, Stirling is in a great position for quick access to Edinburgh and Glasgow by public transport. It also has easy access to the Highlands and rural Scotland.

Apply because you want to

1. Work with a diverse, international team on a challenge that will positively impact the world.
2. Join a mission-driven company that's focused on delivering far better and more sustainable products.
3. Join a high growth company and put some big wins on your CV wherever you are in your career.
4. Surround yourself with very smart, open, curious, and action-oriented people with opportunities to learn at every turn.

What happens next?

If this sounds like the role and company for you, apply by following the link. Interviews are expected to begin from January 2025 with a desired onboarding date within Q1 of 2025.

If you are successfully selected for interview, this is broken down into two stages:

1. Stage 1: An introductory remote discussion with the hiring managers, typically lasting forty-five minutes. An opportunity to find out more about the role and tell the team a bit about your background and experience, with the option to visually present and talk through your experience if you would like.
2. Stage 2: If successful in the first stage interview, we will invite you to attend a stage two interview within our office space in Stirling. You will get to see our lab spaces and meet some more of the Sensors team, followed by a short round of competency-based questioning. We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments required to the interview process, please let us know upon application any requirements.

We will close the application link to the role once we have received an ample talent pool full of superstar applicants. Don't worry though, if you like the look of the role but need a little longer to perfect your application, just get in touch at [e-mail] and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

The Company

iGii is a technology development company and systems integrator who has invented, patented and commercialised a revolutionary 'design for manufacture' process to grow high performing, pure 3D Graphene - called Gii.

Our goal is to enable everyone to access the benefits of graphene for the next generation of technology. Our 3D graphene electrodes, Gii-Sens, have overcome industry barriers to enable higher sensitivity with the added benefits of lower limits of detections and reduced background noise. Gii-Sens is facilitating the move from laboratory tests to point-of-care. Our fully flexible configurations include capabilities to multiplex while maintaining high performance.

iGii invite you to engage with us to join the technology breakthrough of the decade.