Graduate - Development Chemist (Adhesives)

Matrix Adhesives Group; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix Adhesives Group in the UK/Europe is seeking a Development Chemist to drive new adhesive technologies from concept to production. You''ll lead projects, develop formulations, and evaluate raw materials in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the Technical Manager Europe, you''ll collaborate with R&D, Production, Quality and Commercial teams, conduct lab testing, analyze data, and help scale up products while ensuring safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage technical development projects with deadlines.
• Develop and improve adhesive formulations and processes.
• Research and evaluate new materials and market trends to support innovation.
• Conduct laboratory testing to assess performance, quality, stability, and application characteristics.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to make technical recommendations.
• Present findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Support the scale-up of new products from the lab into manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Sales, and customers to solve technical challenges.
• Recommend and implement improvements to testing methods, equipment, and laboratory processes.
• Ensure all work is completed safely and in compliance with quality, health, safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

Strong project management

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Proactive mindset

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Matrix Adhesives

Founded in 2021, Matrix Adhesives Group is a growth-driven company committed to delivering high-performance bonding and sealing solutions across diverse industries. We bring together some of the most trusted and innovative brands in the adhesives and sealants market - each with a proven legacy of quality, performance, and reliability.

Our portfolio includes industry-leading names–each contributing unique expertise and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Through our brands, we offer a comprehensive range of products engineered for construction, industrial, commercial, and specialty applications.

At the core of our business is a relentless focus on operational excellence, customer partnership, and cutting‑edge research and development. We don’t just supply adhesives. We help build stronger, safer, and more efficient systems for the future.

Matrix Adhesives Group is more than a supplier. We are your collaborative partner backed by a powerhouse of leading brands - committed to performance, innovation, and long-term value.

For more information visit https://www.matrixadhesives.com/.

About the Role

Are you a recent Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering graduate looking to launch your career in product development and innovation?

At IPS Adhesives, you'll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects from day one, helping to develop new adhesive technologies and improve existing products used by customers around the world. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated scientist with strong project management skills who enjoys problem‑solving, experimentation, and working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the Technical Manager (Europe), you'll play an important role in bringing new products from concept through to production, working closely with colleagues across R&D, Production, Quality, and Commercial teams.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Development Chemist, you'll:

• Lead and manage technical development projects, ensuring activities are planned, organised, and delivered to agreed deadlines.
• Develop and improve adhesive formulations, manufacturing processes, and testing methodologies.
• Research and evaluate new raw materials, technologies, and market trends to support innovation.
• Carry out laboratory testing to assess product performance, quality, stability, and application characteristics.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data to make informed technical recommendations.
• Present findings through technical reports and presentations tailored to different audiences.
• Support the scale‑up of new products from the laboratory into manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Sales, and customers to solve technical challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Recommend and implement improvements to testing methods, equipment, and laboratory processes.
• Ensure all work is completed safely and in compliance with quality, health, safety, and environmental standards.

What You're Looking For

Essential

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, demonstrated through university projects, placements, internships, Year in Industry programmes, or employment.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• A proactive mindset with a willingness to learn and take ownership of projects.

Desirable

• Year in Industry, industrial placement, internship, or relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience within adhesives, coatings, polymers, composites, plastics, or related materials.
• Knowledge of formulation development, materials testing, or chemical manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing techniques and data analysis.

Skills

• Curiosity and passion for innovation.
• Strong attention to detail and a practical, hands‑on approach.
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for learning new technologies and techniques.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.