R&D Scientist - Synthetic Polymer Chemist

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions; Ashby-de-la-Zouch; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions in Ashby-de-la-Zouch seeks aSynthetic Polymer Chemist to design, synthesize and develop innovative polymer materials for the Electrolube brand including coatings, potting compounds and thermal interface materials.

Working within a multidisciplinary R&D team, you will advance polyurethane and UV-curable technologies from concept to commercialisation, drive scale-up, and ensure performance and regulatory compliance across manufacturing workflows.

Qualifications

• Advanced polymer chemistry understanding including polyurethane and UV-curable systems.
• Experience taking products from lab development through scale-up to manufacturing.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques and materials characterization.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements relating to chemical products and raw materials is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and develop novel polymer systems for coatings, potting compounds, encapsulants, and TIMs.
• Formulate and optimise polyurethane and UV-curable technologies for customer needs.
• Lead lab-scale development projects from concept to scale-up and commercialisation.
• Develop new resin chemistries and formulations to achieve target adhesion, flexibility and chemical resistance.
• Conduct formulation studies and performance testing to understand structure-property relationships.
• Collaborate with application engineers, manufacturing teams and suppliers to meet market requirements.
• Support product scale-up activities including pilot trials and process validation.
• Generate technical reports and development summaries to communicate progress.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Polyurethane formulation

UV-curable materials

Lab-scale development

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

MSc in Materials Science

BSc in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Business Unit: MAES

Division: Packaging & Board Assembly - Polymer, Protection &

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.

• Wafer Level Packaging - Revolutionizing wafer fabrication processes for enhanced efficiency and performance


• Circuitry Solutions - Tailored solutions to meet the dynamic demands of modern circuitry


• Electronics Assembly Solutions - Innovating semiconductor, surface mount technology, and power electronics assembly for unparalleled reliability


• Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits


• Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting‑edge materials and technologies for enhanced functionality and reliability


• Micromax – Elevating electronics through high‑performing, specialized inks and pastes

Across diverse sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, telecom, data storage, infrastructure, and AI, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions has earned the trust of manufacturers worldwide. Our comprehensive range of high‑quality solutions and technical services enables the entire electronics supply chain, empowering businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

We embody the 'Elements of our Culture'- our 5C's; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

The Synthetic Polymer Chemist is responsible for the design, synthesis and development of innovative polymer materials for the Electrolube® brand including coatings, potting compounds and thermal interface materials. The role will focus on advancing polyurethane and UV‑curable technologies from concept through to commercialisation, delivering products that meet customer, manufacturing, and business requirements. Working within a multidisciplinary R&D team, the successful candidate will apply strong scientific expertise, experimental design, and problem‑solving skills to develop high‑performance materials, support manufacturing scale‑up, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the company's innovation strategy and growth objectives.

What will you be doing?

• Design, synthesise, and develop novel polymer systems for advanced coatings, potting compounds, encapsulants, and thermal interface materials.


• Formulate and optimise polyurethane, UV‑curable, and other thermoset polymer technologies to meet customer and application requirements.


• Lead laboratory‑scale development projects from concept through to scale‑up and commercialisation.


• Develop new resin chemistries and formulations to achieve target performance characteristics, including adhesion, flexibility, hardness, chemical resistance, and environmental durability.


• Conduct formulation studies, experimental design, and performance testing to understand structure‑property relationships and drive product improvement.


• Investigate and resolve formulation, processing, and manufacturing challenges through scientific problem‑solving and root cause analysis.


• Collaborate closely with application engineers, manufacturing teams, quality teams, and customers to develop products that meet market needs.


• Evaluate new raw materials, technologies, and suppliers to support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Support product scale‑up activities, including pilot trials, process validation, and manufacturing implementation.


• Generate technical reports, test protocols, and development summaries to communicate project progress and recommendations.


• Ensure all laboratory work is conducted safely and in compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and environmental standards.


• Provide technical guidance and expertise in polymer chemistry across the business.

Who are You?

• PhD, MSc, or BSc in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.


• Proven industrial experience in synthetic polymer development and formulation.


• Strong background in polyurethane chemistry, including formulation and performance optimisation.


• Hands‑on experience developing and formulating UV‑curable materials, including acrylate and/or cationic systems.


• Experience in coatings, potting compounds, encapsulants, adhesives, sealants, thermal interface materials, or related polymer technologies.


• Knowledge of polymer synthesis techniques, curing mechanisms, and material characterisation methods.


• Experience taking products from laboratory development through scale‑up and manufacturing.


• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.


• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in cross‑functional teams.


• Experience contributing to Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.


• IT literate and proficient in Microsoft Office applications and capable of effectively managing experimental data, technical reports and presentations. Experience of Design of Experiments and statistical analysis tools is desirable.


• Knowledge of electronic materials and applications in electronics protection and thermal management, along with familiarity with regulatory requirements relating to chemical products and raw materials are desirable.

What competencies will you need?

• Curious and forward thinking, with the ability to challenge existing methods and identify opportunities for improvement.


• A strong commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence within R&D and manufacturing environments.


• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently while maintaining high levels of productivity and accountability.


• Ability to adapt quickly to changing business priorities, customer requirements, technical challenges and project set‑backs.


• Identifies root causes of technical issues and develops practical solutions.


• Ability to manage projects in a fast‑paced R&D environment.


• Confidence with presenting project updates and recommendations to stakeholders.


• Balances technical performance with cost, manufacturing and commercial viability.


• A passion for scientific learning and professional development, staying up to date with advances in polymer chemistry, materials science and industry trends.


• Ability to mentor and support junior scientists, technicians, and project team members.

We are Offering...

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future - as part of our team here, for this role, we are offering a salary starting from £48,770 per annum, you will also participate in a generous performance related bonus scheme. In addition, you will receive a company pension, life assurance, a health cash plan, and training and development, as well as 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays. The Ashby site is situated close to the main motorway links and amenities; there is also free onsite parking.

Career Growth - we provide a challenging, but rewarding experience to our people - you will have an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute from your very first day. Our teams play an important role enabling technological breakthroughs in high growth industries around the world. We continuously invest in technologies and extensive learning and development tools which provide opportunities to challenge, develop and nurture your career.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.