Laboratory Technician

Chase Global; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A stealth startup specializing in polymers seeks a Lab Technician to support research and development in polymer synthesis. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemistry or a related field and 1-3 years of laboratory experience. You will assist in synthesizing polymers, characterising materials, and conducting analytical tests. Competitive salary of £40-50k DOE with a hands-on, lab-based role in Norfolk.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of hands-on experience in a chemical or polymer laboratory.
• Solid understanding of safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support research and development activities in polymer synthesis.
• Prepare, characterise, and test polymeric materials.
• Assist in the synthesis of polymers and maintain lab equipment.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Chemical laboratory techniques

Analytical testing (GPC/SEC, FTIR)

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment (reactors, rotary evaporators)

Job description

Job Title: Lab Technician / Senior Lab Tech / Chemist / Scientist (Polymers)

Location: Norfolk

Salary: £40-50k DOE

Company Overview

The client is an exciting stealth startup, established for almost a year, with its headquarters in Cambridgeshire. The company is very well capitalised and has ambitious plans to establish capabilities almost unique in Europe, focused on products for air defence.

The client operates offices in the UK and EU and maintains industrial facilities in Norfolk. The goal of these roles is to take chemical processes from lab scale to full industrial scale production.

Location

Based in North Norfolk, with close proximity to the city of Norwich, the client is establishing a supply chain for its products.

The site includes:

• Comfortable, well-appointed offices
• Workshops
• testing and test stand facilities
• Multiple buildings to be repurposed as chemical production facilities

Security

The facility is secure, and staff may be required to undergo basic national security vetting.

Overview & Scope of Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Lab Technician to support research and development activities in polymer synthesis.

The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers to prepare, characterise, and test polymeric materials for applications related to rocket propulsion. This is a hands‑on, lab‑based role that requires a solid understanding of chemical laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and a strong interest in polymer chemistry.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the synthesis of polymers, developing procedures and following processes defined by production chemists.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as reactors, rotary evaporators, vacuum pumps, and fume hoods.
• Perform monomer purification, reagent preparation, and batch formulation under supervision.
• Conduct analytical testing of polymers using techniques such as GPC/SEC, FTIR, DSC, TGA, NMR, and rheometry.
• Record and document experimental data in lab notebooks and/or electronic lab systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Assist in troubleshooting experimental issues and improving synthesis procedures.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and participate in regular lab housekeeping and safety audits.
• Maintain inventory of chemicals and lab supplies, coordinating with suppliers when necessary.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including R&D, Quality Assurance, and Product Development.

Documentation

• Maintain detailed records of experiments, process development work, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all processes comply with relevant safety regulations, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and other chemical hygiene plans.
• Verify that the correct licences are in place for all work carried out.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of hands‑on experience in a chemical or polymer laboratory (academic or industrial).