Senior Polymer Process Chemist: Scale-Up & Innovation

SRG; Sedgefield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SRG is seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist 1 in Process Chemistry (Polymers) to lead polymer and process development within a dynamic team. The role covers designing and scaling chemical processes beyond bench scale, with a focus on acrylic polymerisation, vinyl monomer chemistry and sustainable materials.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams, deliver high-quality technical reports, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with customers and external partners on new polymer

Qualifications

• A degree, MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related.
• Industrial experience within process chemistry, polymer chemistry or chemical development.
• A strong background in synthetic chemistry.
• Experience designing and executing laboratory-based experimental programmes.
• The ability to solve complex technical problems and interpret experimental results.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills. Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive approach and the confidence to work independently on technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Leading technical delivery across small and medium-sized process chemistry projects.
• Designing, planning and executing experimental programmes focused on polymer and process development.
• Developing and optimising polymerisation reactions and synthetic routes.
• Supporting scale-up activities from laboratory development through to pilot-scale operations.
• Working safely with reactive, corrosive, oxidising and exothermic chemistries.
• Conducting hazard reviews, risk assessments and process safety activities.
• Analysing experimental data and translating observations into meaningful process improvements.
• Producing high-quality technical reports and project documentation.
• Acting as a technical specialist within project teams and supporting junior scientists.
• Collaborating with customers, business development teams and external partners on new opportunities.
• Contributing to the growth of polymer chemistry team and sustainable materials capabilities.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Process development

Scale-up

Laboratory experimentation

Hazard reviews

Technical reporting

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

MSc/PhD in Chemistry or related

Job description

SRG is seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist 1 in Process Chemistry (Polymers) to lead polymer and process development within a dynamic team. The role covers designing and scaling chemical processes beyond bench scale, with a focus on acrylic polymerisation, vinyl monomer chemistry and sustainable materials.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams, deliver high-quality technical reports, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with customers and external partners on new polymer