Polymer Process Scientist

Smart4Chemical; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical manufacturer in Cambridge seeks a Polymer Process Scientist to oversee the synthesis and scale-up of polymer and organic products. The role requires a degree in Chemistry and practical experience in polymer synthesis. Candidates should have strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to safely scale up chemical processes. The position offers a full-time, permanent contract in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in organic or polymer synthesis at lab and/or pilot plant scale.
• Strong experience in free radical polymerisation and polyurethane chemistry.
• Ability to scale up exothermic reactions safely.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the synthesis of polymer and organic products and scale up operations.
• Draft detailed process documentation and train production staff.
• Collaborate with QC teams and maintain quality during scale-up.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer synthesis

Process improvement

Chemical process safety

Troubleshooting

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Polymer Science

Job description

Overview

Polymer Process Scientist — Location: Cambridge — Full Time | Permanent

Are you a passionate chemist with a strong background in organic or polymer synthesis? We are working with a well reputed chemical manufacturer who are looking for someone to come in and help oversee the scale up of their operations. The role involves physical work and a focus on the synthesis of polymer and organic products that will be scaled up from lab to pilot plant to full industrial production scale.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the synthesis of polymer and organic products and scale up from lab to pilot plant to full industrial production scale.
• Draft detailed process documentation and train production staff on new processes.
• Collaborate with QC teams to develop appropriate test methods and maintain quality during scale-up.
• Work with Procurement to identify and qualify new raw materials.
• Engage with external customers and support trial manufacture.
• Support operations teams in ongoing product manufacture and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive process improvement projects (including waste minimisation and efficiency enhancement).
• Adhere to all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• The job involves a lot of manual handling; applicants should be prepared to engage in physically demanding work.

What you'll bring

• A degree or higher in Chemistry, Materials Science or Polymer Science related field
• Practical, hands-on experience in organic or polymer synthesis at lab and/or pilot plant scale
• Strong experience in free radical polymerisation (solution and/or emulsion), polyurethane chemistry and semi-batch processing
• Proven ability to scale up exothermic reactions safely and effectively
• Strong troubleshooting skills and understanding of chemical process safety
• Knowledge of confidentiality practices and handling of chemical hazards and waste
• A Forklift Licence or the capacity/willingness to learn

You can also send your CV through to Dylan Starling at