Senior Process / Development Chemist

IEX Technologies; Redcar; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IEX Technologies is seeking a Senior Process/Development Chemist with a strong industrial chemistry background to join our expanding technical team. The role blends hands-on development with applying solutions across our laboratory, pilot plant, and customer operations.

You will lead pilot plant activities, advance new selective adsorbents and metal recovery technologies, work with customers on technical challenges, and drive health, safety and ISO 9001 quality initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years operating pilot-scale processes in fine/industrial chemicals.
• Proven track record in product and process development from design to scale-up.
• Experience in full-scale chemical manufacturing (10,000+ TPA) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design pilot plant test programmes and operating methodologies for pilot plant activities.
• Identify and develop new selective adsorbents for metal recovery and related technologies.
• Collaborate with customers to understand technical and operational challenges and provide expert solutions.
• Lead health, safety and environmental practices across laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor staff to foster innovation and excellence.
• Oversee the laboratory quality management system and drive ISO 9001 compliance and continuous improvement.
• Apply analytical techniques (GC, GC-MS, ICP-OES) to support development and issue investigation.

Skills

Pilot plant ops

Process development

Industrial manufacturing

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in Chemistry

Tools

GC

GC-MS

ICP-OES

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process / Development Chemist with a strong background in industrial chemistry to join our expanding technical team.

This role combines hands-on technical development with the practical application of solutions across our laboratory, pilot plant, and customer operations. The successful candidate will bring technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and a strong commitment to health, safety, and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pilot Plant Operations:

Design test programmes and operating methodologies for pilot plant activities, supporting the manufacture and evaluation of selective adsorbents and the recovery of precious metals (PGMs). Support distillation, filtration, and reaction processes in CSTR and FBR systems.

Research and Development:

Identify and investigate new applications for existing materials while contributing to the development of new selective adsorbents and metal recovery technologies. Plan, execute, and evaluate development programmes to support business growth and technical advancement.

Customer Engagement:

Work closely with customers to understand technical and operational challenges, providing expertise in precious metal recovery and supporting the development of effective process solutions.

Safety Leadership:

Take ownership of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices across laboratory and pilot plant operations. Develop and maintain safe working procedures, ensure compliance with COSHH, REACH, and HSE regulations, and promote a proactive safety culture through risk assessment, training, and continuous improvement.

Technical Leadership:

Provide technical leadership for laboratory and pilot plant operations, developing and optimising procedures to support research, process development, and scale-up. Drive continuous improvement in laboratory performance and mentor technical staff to foster innovation and technical excellence.

Quality Leadership:

Lead the laboratory quality management system, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. Drive ISO 9001 accreditation, maintain quality procedures and SOPs, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Analytical Techniques:

Apply a range of analytical techniques, including GC, GC-MS, ICP-OES, to support process development, investigate technical issues, and generate data that informs decision‑making and project delivery.

Qualifications:

BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry (or equivalent)

EXPERIENCE

Pilot Plant Operations:

Demonstrated experience (5+ years) operating and developing pilot‑scale processes in the fine and industrial chemicals sectors, with hands‑on responsibility for projects ranging from 1 kg to 1 tonne scale.

Development:

Experience leading product and process development programmes, from experimental design and scale‑up through to implementation and performance evaluation.

Industrial Manufacturing:

Exposure to full‑scale chemical manufacturing environments (10,000+ TPA), with an understanding of the challenges associated with process scale‑up would be advantageous.

DESIRABLE TECHNICAL SKILLS

Strong working knowledge of chemical principles and practices, including distillation, mixing in stirred tanks and fixed bed reactors.

• Practical experience with analytical techniques such as GC, GC-MS, ICP‑OES.
• Knowledge of Ion Exchange, chelation materials and principles.
• Knowledge of precious metal chemistry.
• Understanding of applied hydrometallurgical principles.

WHY JOIN US

Innovative Environment:

Work in a multi‑discipline team developing and applying advanced metal recovery technologies to address industry challenges.

Professional Development:

Access opportunities to expand your skills, gain experience across a range of projects, and progress your career.

High‑Growth Opportunity:

Join a business operating in a sustainability‑focused industry with strong long‑term demand and development opportunities.

Influence and Responsibility:

Take on a role where your work will have a visible impact on projects, operations, and business performance.

Impactful Work:

Play a key role in delivering sustainable and efficient metal recovery processes that contribute to the circular economy and reduce environmental impact.

What you’ll get in return

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Professional development and industry training, and the opportunity to advance your career.
• Opportunity to work within an award‑winning, sustainability‑focused organisation.

ABOUT IEX TECHNOLOGIES

IEX Technologies develops and supplies technologies for the recovery of precious metals from industrial process streams. We are committed to advancing sustainable and efficient metal recovery through the development of innovative process solutions and an expanding portfolio of selective adsorbents.

By enabling customers to recover, recycle, and reuse valuable metals, IEX Technologies helps improve resource efficiency and supports a more sustainable precious metals industry.