Senior Chemist

Cranleigh Scientific; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative clean energy company in Sheffield is seeking a Senior Chemist to lead the development of high-value carbon materials. This full-time role involves working hands-on in an R&D team to enhance sustainable production processes. The ideal candidate has a PhD in Chemistry and at least 5 years of experience in carbon materials, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

5% employer pension contribution

Share option scheme

Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Relocation support available

Qualifications

• 5+ years of post-academic experience working with carbon materials.
• Strong understanding of carbon activation and characterization processes.
• Experience in microwave-assisted chemical reactions is ideal but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, characterization, and optimization of carbon materials.
• Design and develop routes to upgrade base carbon materials.
• Evaluate suitability of materials for high-value end uses.
• Collaborate with engineers on scale-up from lab to commercial volumes.

Skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Confident communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Senior Chemist – Carbon Materials Development

£Comp + benefits | Full-time | South Yorkshire

We're working with an innovative clean energy business on a mission to accelerate the transition to a low‑carbon economy. As they continue to scale, they’re now hiring a Senior Chemist to lead the development of high‑value carbon materials, a critical part of their sustainable production process.

This is an opportunity to join a growing R&D team and contribute directly to breakthrough work with real‑world climate impact.

About the role

You’ll lead on the development, characterisation, and optimisation of carbon materials for a range of commercial applications. The work is hands‑on, collaborative, and integral to scaling this organisation’s cutting‑edge product offering.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and developing routes to upgrade base carbon materials
• Characterising materials using techniques such as BET, XRD, SEM, etc.
• Evaluating suitability of materials for high‑value end uses
• Improving energy and resource efficiency in carbon processing
• Collaborating with engineers on scale‑up from lab to commercial volumes
• Developing separation and purification methods
• Leading on lab safety protocols including COSHH and risk assessments
• Line‑managing one chemist and supporting future team growth

What we’re looking for

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Chemistry or a related field
• 5+ years of post‑academic experience working with carbon materials
• Strong understanding of carbon activation and characterisation processes
• Experience in microwave‑assisted chemical reactions (ideal but not essential)
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical thinking skills
• Confident communicator and team collaborator
• Comfortable working independently in a fast‑paced environment

What’s on offer

• £Comp salary depending on experience
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution (with 3% employee input)
• Share option scheme
• Relocation support available
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Location & right to work

Full‑time, on‑site role based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, near Sheffield

Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to work on sustainable innovation and shape the future of materials science, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch to find out more