Organic Chemist

PolyCatUK Ltd; Timsbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK defense technology startup is seeking an Organic Chemist to support R&D and product development. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and experience in wet chemistry labs. Responsibilities include designing and executing experiments, analyzing compounds, and maintaining lab documentation. This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Pension

Flexible Working Hours

Sick Pay

Stock Options

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free on-site Parking

Course and Conference Attendance Opportunities

Health & Wellbeing Monitoring

Free Refreshments

Bidding Opportunities

Picturesque Rural Location

Good Transport Links

Creativity & Ideas Exploration encouraged

Qualifications

• Experience safely handling a diverse range of chemicals.
• Academic or industrial experience in organic synthesis.
• Familiarity with purification techniques like chromatography.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute organic chemistry experiments.
• Perform purification and analysis of compounds.
• Maintain accurate lab documentation.
• Support lab operations and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Wet chemistry laboratory experience

Organic synthesis

Purification techniques

Knowledge of green chemistry

Computational tools familiarity

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem solving and analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD)

Tools

NMR

HPLC

GC

MS

Job description

Job Title: Organic Chemist

Location: Timsbury, Hampshire, UK. SO51 0NU

Employment Type: Full-time,on site/in person

Salary Range: £30-40k depending on experience

Perks: Pension, Flexible Working Hours, Sick Pay, Stock Options, Cycle to Work Scheme, Free on-site Parking, Course and Conference Attendance Opportunities, Health & Wellbeing Monitoring, Free Refreshments, Bidding Opportunities, Picturesque Rural Location Close to Romsey and City of Southampton, Good Transport Links, Creativity & Ideas Exploration encouraged, Use of Facilities for Personal Projects outside of Normal Working Hours.

Job Overview

Organic Chemist – Defence Systems

We are looking for a motivated, hands-onand creative Organic Chemistto support our R&D and product development efforts. This role is ideal for an experienced lab chemist looking for a fresh challenge, or an early-career scientist eager to apply their organic chemistry skills in a dynamic startup environment with scope to explore ideas, contribute, learn and grow.

About PolyCAT

PolyCAT are a small company specialising in developing decontamination tools and other scientific and engineering-based technologies for the defence, security and responder sectors. PolyCAT’s patent-pending flagship technology relates to powder formulations for the catalytic detoxification of toxic chemicals, and a variety of delivery systems for a variety of scenarios and end user groups. However, our remit is far more diverse, and you will be joining a growing team with an excellent reputation, contacts and networks, a successful history of winning bids and contracts, broad interests, skills and an open mind as to where the future takes us. With a lean, highly collaborative team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead projects and grow alongside senior scientists and engineers.

Why Join Us

• Work on cutting-edge defence science projects that directly support national security and enhance capability.
• Be part of a collaborative, high-performing technical team, supporting a niche and interesting customer group.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and career development, including conference attendance and international travel.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Friendly, flexible work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute organic chemistry experiments both independently and as part of a team.
• Perform purification, characterization, and analysis of compounds (e.g. using NMR, HPLC, GC, MS). Help and training will always be available.
• Maintain detailed and accurate lab notebooks and documentation.
• Collaborate closely with other team members (e.g. to develop scalable processes).
• Support lab operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, record keeping and ensuring safety compliance.
• Help develop and maintain essential technical documentation, user guides and other records (e.g. chemical inventories).
• Write concise technical reports and review relevant scientific literature.
• Present results to a diverse audience.

Qualifications

• Minimum Batchelors degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience post Chemistry A-level). Postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD) candidates are also very welcome.

Essential skills / experience

• Experience working in a wet chemistry laboratory, safely handling a diverse range of chemicals.
• Academic or industrial experience in organic synthesis, synthetic methodology, or related laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with purification techniques (e.g. column chromatography, distillation).
• Knowledge of green chemistry principles.
• Familiarity with computational tools (e.g. Chem Office).
• Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment and a willingness to wear multiple hats.
• An interest in the chemistry of textiles and the use of green chemistry to change the surface chemistry of fabrics (e.g. make the surface water repellent).
• An understanding of materials compatibilities with harsh chemicals and solvents.
• A willingness to support lab and field trials, testing, validation and training with our products.
• Experience writing technical reports and presenting results.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and listening skills and a willingness to collaborate.
• Good problem solving & analytical skills.
• Eligibility to obtain security clearance if required (e.g. UK NATIONAL).

Non-essential / desirable

• Experience with scale-up or process chemistry.
• Experience in the chemistry of textiles (e.g. fabric dyeing chemistry).
• Industrial experience.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a concise covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to [e-mail] with the subject line:Organic Chemist Application.