Polymer Chemist

Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day working week

Flexibility on hours

Clear progression path

Job summary

A leading chemical manufacturer in Bury St Edmunds is looking for a Process Chemist to support the scale-up and manufacturing of new polymer products. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Chemistry or a related field and experience in polymer synthesis. This hands-on role offers a 4-day working week with flexible hours, as well as opportunities for growth within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in organic or polymer synthesis, ideally including free radical polymerisation.
• Solid understanding of chemical hazards and safe handling.
• Awareness of confidentiality and data protection in commercial chemical development.

Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory synthesis and pilot plant manufacture of new polymer products.
• Collaborate with QC teams to ensure product quality.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and operations teams.

Skills

Organic or polymer synthesis

Free radical polymerisation

Polyurethane chemistry

Process troubleshooting

Chemical hazard understanding

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science or related

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Forklift (optional)

Job description

Our client is a market-leading chemical manufacturer based in Newmarket, known for their innovation in polymer and materials chemistry. With a strong commitment to R&D, quality, and sustainability, they are looking to expand their technical team with a Process Chemist to support scale-up and manufacturing of new polymer products.

Overview

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a background in chemistry or polymer science and practical experience in polymer synthesis at lab or pilot plant scale. You will be involved in the development, scale-up, and transfer of new polymer-based products from lab through to full-scale manufacturing, supporting both internal teams and external customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory synthesis and pilot plant manufacture of new polymer products.
• Operate and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment, including semi-batch processes and exothermic reaction scale-ups.
• Collaborate with QC teams to ensure robust test methods are in place and product quality is maintained through scale-up.
• Maintain clear and accurate process records and documentation.
• Work with Procurement to identify and qualify sources of new raw materials.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and regulations.
• Draft process documentation and support operator training as part of the lab-to-plant scale-up process.
• Host and liaise with external customers during trial production or site visits.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and operations teams, contributing to process improvements and quality initiatives.
• Promote waste minimisation and drive efficiency improvements in processes.
• Participate in manual handling and physical aspects of the role, including carrying and lifting various materials.
• (Optional) Operate a forklift or be willing to undertake training.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• A degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related discipline.
• Practical experience in organic or polymer synthesis, ideally including:
• Free radical polymerisation (solution and/or emulsion)
• Polyurethane chemistry
• Semi-batch processes
• Scale-up of exothermic reactions
• Process troubleshooting
• A solid understanding of chemical hazards, safe handling, and correct labelling of chemicals and waste.
• Awareness of confidentiality and data protection in commercial chemical development.

What’s in it for you?

• Be part of an innovative and growing chemical business.
• Gain hands-on experience in both lab and pilot plant scale chemistry.
• Work on cutting-edge polymer technologies with commercial impact.
• Clear progression path in a collaborative and technically strong team.
• 4 day working week 09.00-17.00 – with flexibility on these hours if required.