Pilot Plant Process Operator - Sustainable Chemicals

Nova Biochem; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Biochem in Nottingham is seeking a Process Operator to join the lab and pilot operations team. You will support safe, consistent running of the depolymerisation prototype, helping with process development and scale‑up planning.

You will work hands-on with depolymerisation, analytics and separation, recording observations and collaborating with R&D to inform operating practices. This role offers exposure to novel process tech in a growing climate‑tech company.

Qualifications

• Experience operating process equipment in an industrial, pilot-scale, or technical environment.
• Comfortable following operating procedures and running equipment safely.
• Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to operation.
• Ability to monitor conditions and recognise deviations from normal parameters.
• Good record‑keeping and documentation habits.

Responsibilities

• Prepare biomass feedstocks and materials for planned depolymerisation runs.
• Set up, operate and shut down the depolymerisation prototype safely and consistently.
• Monitor temperature, pressure and flow and report deviations.
• Carry out downstream processing including filtration, phase separation, acidification and product recovery.
• Maintain records of process parameters and observations.
• Collaborate with technical and R&D teams for experiments and improvements.
• Carry out routine equipment checks and basic maintenance.
• Escalate equipment faults requiring engineering support.
• Follow SOPs and safety procedures for high‑temperature/high‑pressure systems.
• Ensure feedstocks and materials are available for planned runs.

Skills

Process operation

Pilot‑scale experience

Safety procedures

Record keeping

Chemical handling

Problem solving

Independent & team

High temp/high pressure

Engineering background

PFDs/P&IDs familiarity

Education

Engineering degree in chemical/mechanical/process

Job description

Nova Biochem in Nottingham is seeking a Process Operator to join the lab and pilot operations team. You will support safe, consistent running of the depolymerisation prototype, helping with process development and scale‑up planning.

You will work hands-on with depolymerisation, analytics and separation, recording observations and collaborating with R&D to inform operating practices. This role offers exposure to novel process tech in a growing climate‑tech company.