Polymer/Organic Chemist (R&D)

Biotage; Hengoed; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Biotage is seeking a Polymer/Organic Chemist to join its R&D team in Cardiff, developing the next generation of media for consumable products. This is a hands-on role combining polymer chemistry, surface chemistry and synthesis, driving ideas from the lab through development toward commercial use.

You will work on challenging chemistry problems, design new materials, assess performance, and help protect intellectual property while collaborating with colleagues in R&D and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• PhD, MSc or equivalent in Synthetic/Polymer Chemistry.
• Experience in polymerisation, organic/inorganic synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new polymer and media chemistries.
• Plan and execute experimental programmes and analyse results.
• Troubleshoot complex chemistry and process challenges.
• Present findings to project teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to IP and stay updated on emerging chemistries.
• Support day-to-day standards in the polymer lab.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Surface chemistry

Synthetic chemistry

Laboratory skills

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemistry

Job description

The opportunity

We are looking for a Polymer/Organic Chemist to join our R&D team in Cardiff and play a key role in developing the next generation of media used in our consumable products.

The opportunity

We are looking for a Polymer/Organic Chemist to join our R&D team in Cardiff and play a key role in developing the next generation of media used in our consumable products. This is a hands-on scientific role combining polymer chemistry, surface chemistry and synthetic chemistry, with the opportunity to take new ideas from the laboratory through development and towards commercial application. You'll work on challenging chemistry problems, designing and developing new materials, investigating performance and resolving process challenges alongside colleagues in R&D and manufacturing. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to new intellectual property and influence the direction of future product development.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and develop new polymer and media chemistries for consumable product development.
• Plan and execute experimental programmes, analysing results and using your scientific judgement to drive development decisions.
• Troubleshoot complex chemistry and process challenges, working with R&D and manufacturing to develop practical solutions.
• Present your findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders, helping to shape project direction.
• Contribute to the development of new intellectual property and keep abreast of emerging chemistry, technologies and competitor activity.
• Help drive the day-to-day activities and standards within the polymer laboratory.

What You'll Bring

You'll have a PhD, MSc or equivalent in Synthetic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or a related discipline, together with practical experience in polymerisation, organic/inorganic synthesis, surface chemistry or a closely related area. We're open to candidates at different stages of their scientific career. You may already have significant industry or R&D experience, or you could be a highly capable early-career scientist looking to take the next step. What matters most is a strong technical foundation, curiosity and the ability to apply your chemistry knowledge to solve practical problems. You'll be comfortable working hands-on in the laboratory, analysing and interpreting results, and communicating your findings clearly. Knowledge of polymer and/or silica-based chemistry, particularly where this has been applied to materials or product development, would be highly valuable.

About Biotage

Biotage is a global life science company providing solutions that make the work of scientists easier, safer and more efficient. Our products are used across drug discovery, analytical testing and life sciences. You'll be joining an experienced R&D team in Cardiff where your chemistry will have a direct impact on the development of new products and technologies. It's an opportunity to work on technically interesting problems while seeing your work progress beyond the laboratory and into real-world applications.