Junior Analytical Chemist — Climate Tech Lab

Frey Consulting Group; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Biochem, a climate-tech startup based in Nottingham, seeks a Junior Analytical Chemist to join its lab team. You’ll support sample preparation, run routine analyses, and record results as the depolymerisation process scales toward pilot production.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID and HPLC, while developing meticulous data handling, strict safety practices, and collaboration within a small, fast-moving R&D group.

Qualifications

• Practical experience with sample preparation, wet chemistry and routine laboratory procedures.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID or HPLC.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to laboratory work.
• Good record-keeping and documentation habits, with an understanding of traceable data.
• Comfortable handling chemicals safely and following established procedures.
• Able to work independently within a small technical team.
• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent in chemistry or related discipline.
• 1–2 years’ experience in industrial chemistry or related environment.
• Hands-on experience using chromatography or analytical instrumentation.
• Exposure to biomass-derived materials, polymers or complex samples.
• Experience working in a pilot-scale, process development or manufacturing-linked laboratory.
• Basic understanding of QA/QC principles, instrument calibration or laboratory data management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process samples from Nova’s depolymerisation and separation processes for analysis.
• Support routine analysis using techniques including GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID, HPLC and related methods.
• Prepare solutions, solvents and other materials required for laboratory testing.
• Record experimental conditions, results and observations accurately and consistently.
• Follow established analytical methods, laboratory procedures and sample-handling protocols.
• Support routine cleaning, preparation and basic upkeep of analytical equipment and laboratory workspaces.
• Identify unusual results, equipment behaviour or other issues and raise these with the Analytical Chemist or wider technical team.
• Assist with general laboratory organisation, stock management and preparation of consumables.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and best practices for chemical handling.
• Work collaboratively with the analytical, depolymerisation and separation teams to support ongoing R&D and product validation activities.

Skills

Organized

Careful

Curious

Methodical

Attention to detail

Record-keeping

Independent working

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Degree or equivalent in chemistry

Tools

GC-MS

GPC

GC-FID

HPLC

Job description

Nova Biochem, a climate-tech startup based in Nottingham, seeks a Junior Analytical Chemist to join its lab team. You’ll support sample preparation, run routine analyses, and record results as the depolymerisation process scales toward pilot production.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID and HPLC, while developing meticulous data handling, strict safety practices, and collaboration within a small, fast-moving R&D group.