Senior R&D Chemist - Adhesives

UBT; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior R&D Chemist to innovate and develop sustainable adhesive solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of product innovation, formulating cutting-edge adhesives that meet market demands. You'll collaborate with suppliers and customers, support manufacturing scale-ups, and ensure products comply with quality standards. With a focus on teamwork and leadership, this position is perfect for someone passionate about chemistry and looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment. Join a values-driven team dedicated to responsibility and results!

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Free lunch

Free on-site parking

33 days holiday

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience formulating adhesives or similar products.
• Proven track record in scaling up lab batches to production.

Responsibilities

• Formulating and developing water-based, solvent-based, and hot melt adhesives.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Skills

Adhesive formulation

Leadership potential

Strong communication

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree or HND in Chemistry

Job description

• £35,000-£45,000 per annum
• Full-Time 45 hrs/week
• Location: Northants- Open to Relocation
• Bonus Scheme
• Lunch Provided
  
  

Are you a seasoned chemist with a passion for creating smarter, stronger, and more sustainable adhesives? Ready to step into a pivotal role where your work will directly shape innovative products and influence future market leaders?

We're on the lookout for a Senior R&D Chemist to join a highly respected technical team, working with cutting-edge materials and a customer-first mindset. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong adhesive formulation experience to truly make their mark.

What You'll Be Doing:

You'll be right at the heart of product innovation - formulating and developing water-based, solvent-based, and hot melt adhesives that lead the market. No two days will be the same. From liaising with suppliers and customers, supporting scale-ups, and evaluating novel raw materials, to partnering with sales teams and presenting to the board - this role is as varied as it is vital.

You'll also be:

• Reformulating to drive performance and cost-efficiency
• Supporting customer trials and manufacturing sites (including some European travel)
• Ensuring all products comply with regulatory and quality standards (ISO 9001)
• Presenting progress in R&D meetings and board updates

Requirements:

• Hands-on experience formulating adhesives, or transferable industries such as inks, lubricants, or coatings
• Proven track record in scaling up lab batches to production
• Experience in hot melt or water-based adhesives would be a huge bonus
• A natural team player with leadership potential
• Strong communicator with commercial awareness
• Comfortable in a lab and a boardroom

Must-haves:

• Degree or HND in Chemistry or related science
• Experience of R&D from concept to commercialisation
• UK driving licence (some UK & occasional EU travel involved)

Benefits:

• £35,000-£45,000 per annum
• Bonus scheme linked to gross profit
• Relocation support available
• Free lunch & free on-site parking
• 33 days holiday (inc. bank holidays)
• A chance to grow with an ambitious, values-driven team focused on Responsibility, Relationships, and Results

Hours & Location:

• Monday to Friday - 45 hours per week
• Gadbrook Business Centre, Rudheath, Northwich

If you're ready to bring your R&D expertise to a place where your ideas matter and your work leads to real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you.