Senior Chemist

JR United Kingdom; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth start-up is seeking a Senior Chemist to lead the development of innovative carbon materials. This role involves shaping product applications, optimizing processing methods, and mentoring junior staff. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science and experience in carbon material research.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified (ideally PhD) in relevant fields.
• Proven experience in carbon materials.
• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques like BET, XRD, SEM.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of high-value carbon materials.
• Collaborate with engineers and product teams.
• Mentor junior chemist and ensure lab safety standards.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical techniques

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline

Tools

BET

XRD

SEM

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment

Location:

South West London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

4

Posted:

07.06.2025

Expiry Date:

22.07.2025

Job Description:

Cranleigh STEM is proud to partner with a high-growth start-up developing breakthrough technology to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

We are seeking a Senior Chemist to lead the development of high-value carbon materials derived from our proprietary process. This key technical role offers the opportunity to shape product applications, influence process design, and contribute to scale-up efforts for a technology with major climate impact.

• Develop pathways to convert base carbon material into high-value forms (e.g., activated carbon, hard carbon).
• Evaluate upgraded carbon products for applications in markets such as energy storage or filtration.
• Characterise carbon materials using analytical techniques including BET, XRD, SEM, and others.
• Optimise carbon processing methods to maximise product quality while minimising energy and resource use.
• Collaborate with process engineers and product development teams to integrate material innovations into production.
• Contribute to scale-up activities, progressing from lab-scale (grams) to pilot and commercial quantities (kilograms to tonnes).
• Design purification and separation processes for carbon materials.
• Ensure all laboratory activities meet safety, risk assessment, and COSHH standards.
• Provide supervision and mentorship to one junior chemist.

Qualifications:

• Degree qualified (ideally PhD) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in research or industrial environments focused on carbon materials or related fields.
• Deep understanding of carbon material characteristics and synthesis/activation routes.
• Hands-on experience with techniques like BET, XRD, SEM.
• Strong problem-solving skills for designing and iterating experiments.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and risk assessments (COSHH).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with catalyst development or microwave-assisted chemistry.
• Involvement in early-stage or scale-up ventures.
• Familiarity with carbon applications in filtration, batteries, or adsorbents.