Product Development Chemist

ZipRecruiter; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading producer in coatings and polymer products is looking for a New Product Development Chemist in Newcastle. The role involves developing innovative products using gravure printing technology and requires a solid academic background in Chemistry or a similar field.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• Degree required in Chemistry or a related field.
• Proven experience in gravure printing technology.
• Knowledge of primers and adhesion promoters.

Responsibilities

• Develop decorative patterns for polymer films using gravure printing.
• Formulate and enhance solvent-based ink systems.
• Conduct gravure printing trials while managing print parameters.

Skills

Industrial experience in printing

Solvent-based ink systems formulation

Gravure printing techniques

Problem-solving for printing issues

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science

Tools

Spectrophotometers

Gloss meters

Job description

Job Description

Title: New Product Development Chemist

Location: Newcastle area

Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Term: Permanent

SRG is working with a global and innovative producer of coatings and polymer-based products that has been established for over 75 years. They are seeking to hire a Development Chemist at their site in the Newcastle area to focus on the development of new products in printing. This role is suitable for candidates with recent, proven industrial experience in the printing industry, particularly using gravure printing, with desirable experience in decorative or laminated film applications.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing industry.

Benefits and Working Hours

• 35.5 hours per week, 9am - 5pm Monday - Thursday, 9am - 3pm on Fridays
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Discretionary bonus

Role/Responsibilities

• Create and test innovative decorative patterns for polymer films using gravure printing, aligning with market trends and customer preferences
• Formulate and enhance solvent-based ink systems, focusing on pigment selection, dispersion, and stability
• Assess and develop primers to ensure strong adhesion of films to polymer substrates
• Execute lab and pilot-scale gravure printing trials, managing print parameters such as cylinder selection, drying, and ink transfer
• Resolve printing issues like inconsistencies, poor adhesion, solvent retention, and misprints
• Conduct visual and instrumental evaluations using tools like spectrophotometers and gloss meters
• Document findings in technical reports and assist in scaling up designs to full production
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in formulation, product development, process engineering, and production to implement print innovations
• Stay informed about emerging pigment technologies, sustainable solvent systems, and regulatory requirements (e.g., REACH, VOC limits)

Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, or similar
• Recent, proven industrial experience with gravure printing
• Knowledge and/or experience with primers and adhesion promoters
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
• Full right to work in the UK

If interested, apply via the provided link or email your CV. For more information, contact Will at (phone number removed). If this role isn't suitable, visit our website to view other vacancies. SRG is the UK's leading recruitment company in the scientific, engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, food/FMCG, energy & renewables, biotech, chemical, and medical device sectors. We are committed to providing excellent career opportunities and recruitment services.