Senior R&D Chemist - Adhesives

Universal Business Team; Northwich; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior R&D Chemist to drive innovation in adhesive products. This role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge materials, collaborating with a dedicated team to formulate water-based and solvent-based adhesives. You will play a crucial role in product development, ensuring compliance with quality standards while presenting your findings to stakeholders. With a focus on sustainability and performance, this position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful projects. If you are passionate about chemistry and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Free lunch

Free on-site parking

Relocation support

33 days holiday (including bank holidays)

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Formulating and developing various types of adhesives.
• Liaising with suppliers and customers to support product innovation.

Skills

Adhesive formulation

Communication skills

Leadership potential

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Chemistry

HND in Chemistry

Job description

Senior R&D Chemist - Adhesives

Salary: £35,000-£45,000 per annum
Type: Full-Time 45 hrs/week
Location: Northants - Open to Relocation
Benefits: 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 experience 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.