R&D Chemist

8835 U-POL Limited; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Axalta seeks a chemist to support filler development at its Wellingborough Technology Team. You will prepare and evaluate formulations, run tests, document results and communicate findings to the manager using MS Office tools.

The role requires lab experience, strong problem solving, and the ability to work well within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. You will safely handle chemicals, participate in 5S initiatives, and contribute to data documentation and reporting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry preferred and relevant laboratory training or experience.
• Knowledge of chemistry and/or coating formulation.
• Laboratory experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interest in hands-on work to understand products.
• Effective problem solver with good communication and teamwork.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills for team environments.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, test methods and SOPs.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).

Responsibilities

• Observing safety requirements in the workplace.
• Preparation and evaluation of Filler formulations.
• Accurately running and recording test results for formulations.
• Interpret testing data and communicate information to the Manager using MS Office.
• Documentation of experimental test results using Word, Excel and SharePoint.
• Participate in 5S initiatives to improve lab productivity and safety.
• Safely handle, categorise and dispose of chemicals.
• Load, test and transport materials in the laboratory.
• Handle multiple tasks under time constraints.
• Collaborate with Manager and R&D, Manufacturing and Marketing personnel.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Hands-on work

Problem solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Safety awareness

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Axalta develops, manufactures and sells a wide selection of performance and transportation coatings around the world. Our customers range from the largest, global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to small, family-owned businesses. Our employees are committed to providing the best possible customer experience, service and product support to every one of our brands. U-POL specialises in the manufacture of bodyfiller, protective coatings, aerosols within the Axalta business. U-POL manufactures in the UK at its Wellingborough site and has a market reputation for high quality products. We are currently looking for a new recruit to join our friendly and highly innovative product development team in our global technical centre in Wellingborough, UK.

Job Purpose

The successful candidate will support Filler development work within the Wellingborough Technology Team.

Principal Accountabilities

• Observing all safety requirements in the workplace.
• Preparation and evaluation of Filler formulations.
• Accurately running and recording test results for all formulations.
• Effectively interpret testing data and be able to communicate information to direct Manager in an organised way using Microsoft Office Suite Support and communication with team members, including other Technicians, Chemists and Technical Demonstrators.
• Documentation of experimental test results using computer programs such as Word, Excel and SharePoint.
• Actively participate in 5S initiatives to help improve lab productivity and overall safety within the laboratory.
• Safely handle, categorise and dispose of chemicals on a routine basis.
• Ability to safely load, test and transport materials in the laboratory.
• Handle multiple tasks under strict time constraints.
• Ability to work well with Manager and a variety of R&D, Manufacturing and Marketing personnel in a team environment.

Person specification

• Degree, Chemistry preferred.
• Chemistry and/or coating formulation knowledge.
• Laboratory experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interest in hands-on work to ensure good understanding of the products.
• Effective problem solver.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to be able to work well in both self-managed and team environments.
• Excellent organisational skills to effectively manage multiple projects.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, Test Methods and SOP’s.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.

Our Company

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernising infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles. Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimise their businesses and achieve their goals. Axalta is a global coatings company focused on providing customers with innovative, colorful and sustainable solutions. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, Axalta continues to find ways to serve more than 100,000 customers with the finest coatings, application systems and technology.