Research Chemist

Liteverse; Chester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm based in the UK is seeking a Research Chemist for two roles. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, coupled with industrial R&D experience and a solid understanding of both organic and inorganic chemistry. Responsibilities include planning and executing experimental laboratory work, maintaining safety standards, and compiling and analyzing data. Candidates should be proficient in various analytical techniques and demonstrate excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. This position offers a full-time, on-site opportunity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelors or Master’s degree qualification in Chemistry.
• Industrial experience in a research and development role.
• Knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry.
• Excellent organizational skills and independent problem-solver.
• Fully proficient in English.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and interpret laboratory experimental work.
• Conceive, build, and maintain experimental rigs.
• Interpret experimental results and eliminate invalid data.
• Keep accurate records in electronic lab-notebook.
• Deploy a range of specialist laboratory techniques.

Skills

Organic chemistry knowledge

Inorganic chemistry knowledge

Analytical techniques

Microsoft 365 platform

Data analysis software

Safe working practices

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Hydrogen fluoride handling

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry

Tools

GC

GCMS

TGA/DSC

XRD

XRF

Swagelok

Job description

Research Chemist (2 roles)

12-month temporary roles

Monday to Friday; Full-time

Thornton Science Park

Overview

To plan, execute and interpret laboratory experimental work necessary to evaluate R134a catalyst performance against historical benchmark data to support commercial operations.

Responsibilities

• Take initiative, conceive, build, commission, safely operate, maintain and troubleshoot experimental rigs, to produce reliable data for experimental programs of work in a high-hazard laboratory environment.
• Interpret experimental results, identify and eliminate rogue or invalid data and work with senior scientists when necessary to develop conclusions and theories to guide further experimental studies.
• Keep up-to-date, accurate, well-organized records of experimental work in electronic lab-notebook and regularly provide updates on experimental work during team meetings and detailed technical reports. Prepare presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain SHE systems and standards for their work area (including, e.g., undertaking risk and COSHH assessments), participate as appropriate in general SHE activities across the wider organization and to undertake specific SHE roles and/or lead development of specific identified SHE improvements.
• Deploy a range of specialist laboratory techniques including operation of catalyst testing rigs (interpretation of data and analysis of products by GC), potential for GCMS, TGA/DSC, porosimetry, XRD and XRF.
• Be self-motivated with an ability to plan their own work, undertaking more than one experimental program concurrently, without any reduction in data quality or SHE compliance, meeting project timelines.
• Understand the commercial relevance of the work undertaken by themselves and ensure that the work undertaken is of commercial value.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of Bachelors or Master’s degree qualification in Chemistry.
• Industrial experience in a research and development role and/or experience in laboratory research environment including the safe handling of high hazard chemicals.
• Knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry.
• Use/interpretation of results from a wide range of analytical techniques.
• Use of Microsoft 365 platform/apps and data analysis software.
• Good knowledge of safe working practices within a high hazard laboratory setting including writing of risk assessments and COSHH.
• Able to maintain a clean and safe work and office environment.
• Actively promote safe behaviour and take responsibility for safe lab operations.
• Ability to interact and work closely with other laboratory staff as well as share data and communicate effectively with global team members.
• Excellent organizational skills and independent problem solver.
• Fully proficient in English.
• Laboratory experience of high hazard activities including use and handling of hydrogen fluoride, pressurised systems would be desirable.
• Use of Swagelok and mechanical fitting skills would be desirable.