Process Chemist

SRG; Sedgefield; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

SRG is seeking a Research Scientist 2 – Process Chemistry (Sustainable Materials) in Sedgefield. The role supports sustainable materials programmes, with work across battery materials, polymers and related technologies.

You will plan and execute bench-scale experiments, optimize chemical processes, and document results. The successful candidate will have a degree in Chemistry or related field and 2-5 years of relevant experience, with strong lab techniques and data reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline.
• 2-5 years of relevant laboratory, industrial or research experience.
• Strong foundation in chemistry gained through academic or industrial experience.
• Excellent laboratory technique and commitment to high-quality results.
• Experience documenting, analysing and reporting technical data.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Collaborative approach across technical areas.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and report laboratory-based experimental work.
• Support development, optimisation and scale-up of chemical processes and materials.
• Carry out bench-scale chemistry with precision and care.
• Support projects involving sustainable materials, battery materials, polymers and related technologies.
• Perform synthesis, characterisation, formulation and analytical testing.
• Analyse data to support project decisions and maintain records.

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related scientific discipline

2-5 years of relevant laboratory or industrial experience

Job description

Research Scientist 2 – Process Chemistry (Sustainable Materials)

Salary: £33,727 - £43,727 per annum (dependent on experience)

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Sedgefield

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced laboratory scientist with a strong chemistry background to join a growing and evolving team.

Unlike highly specialised chemistry roles, this position requires someone who is comfortable applying fundamental chemistry principles across a range of different projects and technical challenges. One week you may be supporting materials development activities, another you could be assisting with process optimisation, laboratory investigations, battery material synthesis, analytical testing or helping establish new technical capabilities within a developing facility.

We're looking for someone who enjoys variety, is comfortable working in situations where the path forward is not always clearly defined, and can confidently contribute practical laboratory expertise wherever it is needed.

The successful candidate will predominantly support sustainable materials programmes, although projects may span a broad range of chemistries and technologies as business needs evolve.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Planning, conducting and reporting laboratory-based experimental work.
• Supporting the development, optimisation and scale-up of chemical processes and materials.
• Carrying out bench-scale chemistry activities with a high degree of precision and attention to detail.
• Supporting projects involving sustainable materials, battery materials, polymers and related technologies.
• Performing synthesis, characterisation, formulation and analytical testing activities.
• Analysing and interpreting experimental data to support project decision-making.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records, technical reports and supporting documentation.
• Contributing to the establishment of new laboratory capabilities and technical facilities.
• Working across multiple projects and adapting to changing technical priorities.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary scientists, engineers and external partners.
• Ensuring compliance with Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) requirements at all times.

About You:

We're looking for a practical scientist who combines strong chemistry fundamentals with a flexible and proactive mindset.

You will likely have:

• A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline.
• Around 2-5 years of relevant laboratory, industrial or research experience.
• A strong foundation in chemistry gained through academic or industrial experience.
• Excellent laboratory technique and a commitment to producing high-quality experimental results.
• Experience documenting, analysing and reporting technical data.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project requirements.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues across different technical areas.

Particularly Relevant Experience:

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in either organic or inorganic chemistry, although experience in the following areas would be particularly beneficial:

• Inorganic chemistry
• Materials chemistry
• Sustainable materials development
• Energy and battery materials
• Co-precipitation processes
• Polymer synthesis or polymerisation
• Formulation science
• Characterisation techniques
• Analytical and bench-scale chemistry
• Titrations and routine laboratory analysis
• Process development and scale-up

Security Requirements

The successful candidate may work on projects that require security clearance and therefore must be capable of obtaining appropriate clearances where required.

Why Join?

This role offers the opportunity to become part of a highly collaborative team working at the forefront of sustainable materials innovation. You'll gain exposure to a diverse range of projects, technologies and customers while developing your technical expertise in a dynamic research environment.

This would particularly suit a scientist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, thrives on variety and wants to apply their chemistry knowledge across a broad spectrum of scientific challenges rather than being confined to a single specialism.