Junior Technical Chemist

Alfred H Knight Group; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global family-owned consultancy is looking for a Group Technical Support Chemist in Liverpool, UK. The role involves supporting technical competence in laboratory operations, troubleshooting method issues, and maintaining contact with international labs. Candidates should hold a degree in Chemistry, have experience in a laboratory, and be fluent in English. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and potential travel to Asia for technical support.

Benefits

Pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proficient in processing large data sets effectively.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Good understanding of commercial assay chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Maintain routine contact between labs in China and AHK group.
• Investigate technical operational issues from labs.
• Deliver hands-on training in AHK laboratory methods.
• Troubleshoot method issues from client queries.
• Support technical training visits from overseas colleagues.

Skills

Data processing

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Project management software (ASANA)

Chemistry understanding

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Tools

Google Suite (Drive, Sheets, Documents, Apps Script)

Job description

Alfred H Knight has an exciting opportunity for a Group Technical Support Chemist to join the team here in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Reporting to the Group Technical and Quality functions, the Group Technical Support Chemist supports the continuous improvement of technical competence in all global AHK Laboratory operations focused on metals and minerals analysis, as well as supporting the delivery of key Group Quality and Technical initiatives. The Group Technical Support Chemist interacts with all levels of the organisation to influence ongoing standardisation and alignment to Group requirements. Their work should exceed the expectations of our colleagues to enable best‑in‑class service to our customers.

The Group Technical and Quality team sits within the Analysis division and is based in Group Headquarters, UK. This function monitors the performance of and drives continuous improvement in competence of Group Laboratories focused on the commercial exchange and outsourcing analysis of metals and minerals. Responsible for the delivery and administration of key Group Quality and Technical initiatives as well as monitoring and setting yearly KPI targets, the information gathered helps shape the Group Laboratories strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains routine contact between our laboratories in China and the rest of the AHK group by continual engagement in technical projects and operational issues.
• Acts on assigned technical operational issues from any of our laboratories by investigating the theory and practical processes of our established and new analytical methods.
• Delivers and continues to learn best practices on key AHK laboratory methods by hands‑on practical experience both in the UK and when possible at our overseas laboratories.
• Troubleshoots method issues sourced from client queries or internal checks to eliminate and improve any sources of potential error.
• Supports technical training visits to Group Headquarters from our overseas colleagues.

About Us

Alfred H Knight is a totally independent family‑owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade by providing independent inspection, analysis and consultancy services to the metals, minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries.

We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation, delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re‑invest in our facilities, technology and people.

Do You Have What It Takes?

To be successful at Alfred H Knight you will need to display the following:

Required Knowledge and Work Experience

• Able to process large data sets to reach conclusions.
• Proficient in all IT systems associated with the role, including Microsoft Office Excel skills, use of project management software tools such as ASANA, and Google Suite (drive, sheets, documents, Apps Script).
• Good understanding of the chemistry associated with commercial assay methods.
• Able to critically review technical information, spot root causes and suggest solutions.
• High attention to detail.
• Focused on meeting deadlines.
• Able to work independently.
• Able to communicate effectively in written reports and virtual meetings.

Required Work Experience

• Experience of working in a laboratory setting; a commercial setting is advantageous.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry.

Required Languages

• Fluent in English.
• Ability to speak and write in Mandarin to at least a basic level.

Travel

• Overseas travel to China and surrounding Asian countries is required; frequency to be confirmed.

Benefits

We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match, including pension, life assurance and an employee assistance programme.

If you are invited to interview please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.

Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.