Polymer/Organic Chemist (R&D)

Biotage; Hengoed; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Biotage is seeking a Polymer/Organic Chemist to join our Cardiff R&D team to develop the next generation of media for consumable products. The role blends polymer chemistry, surface chemistry, and synthetic chemistry, moving ideas from the lab to development and commercial application.

You will design and develop polymer/material chemistries, plan experiments, interpret results, and troubleshoot challenges with R&D and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Synthetic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or related field.
• Strong practical experience in polymerisation, organic/inorganic synthesis and surface chemistry.
• Hands-on laboratory experience and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new polymer and media chemistries for consumable product development.
• Plan and execute experimental programmes, analyse results and drive development decisions.
• Troubleshoot complex chemistry and process challenges with R&D and manufacturing to develop practical solutions.
• Present findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders to shape project direction.
• Contribute to development of new intellectual property and stay updated on emerging chemistries and technologies.
• Support daily activities and uphold standards within the polymer laboratory.

Skills

Polymerisation

Organic Synthesis

Surface Chemistry

Laboratory Skills

Education

PhD or MSc in Synthetic/Polymer 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.

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.

If you’re ready to apply your polymer or organic chemistry expertise to challenging, commercially relevant R&D, we’d like to hear from you.