Senior Scientist - Chemical Design & Synthesis

The Lubrizol Corporation; Shottlegate; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Pension and retirement savings

Life assurance

Professional development

Flexible work environment

Inclusive culture

Job summary

The Lubrizol Corporation seeks a Senior Scientist – Chemical Design & Synthesis at the Hazelwood site near Derby, UK. You will lead synthesis projects, develop novel specialty chemicals, and drive from concept to commercialization with a strong emphasis on safety and collaboration.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in organic or polymer synthesis (or a PhD), excellent problem-solving and communication skills, and a track record of innovation within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry (or equivalent) with 8+ years of industrial experience in organic or polymer synthesis.
• PhD in Synthetic Chemistry with related post-doctoral/industrial experience.
• Strong lab experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis.
• Proven ability to solve technical problems through scientific reasoning and experimental design.
• Proven record of innovation and technical accomplishments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

• Invent, synthesize, and develop new molecules addressing business needs.
• Optimize chemical processes and support scale-up toward commercialization.
• Develop structure–performance relationships to guide decisions.
• Lead technical projects and act as Technical Leader for programs.
• Design and execute independent research to solve complex challenges.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental findings to stakeholders.
• Present scientific data at internal and external meetings.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster innovation and learning.
• Support sustainability initiatives and strategic R&D activities.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and promote safety culture.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer synthesis

Scientific reasoning

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry

PhD in Synthetic Chemistry

Tools

ChemDraw

Microsoft Office

Job description

Limited travel for internal and external technical meetings as required

Imagine Your Future at Lubrizol

At Lubrizol, we’re transforming industries through science. As a Berkshire Hathaway company, we combine nearly 100 years of innovation with a commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and continuous discovery.

We’re seeking a Senior Scientist – Chemical Design & Synthesis to join our Corporate Research & Development team in Hazelwood, UK. In this role, you’ll apply your expertise in synthetic chemistry to invent and develop novel specialty chemicals, solve complex technical challenges, and help bring innovative solutions from concept to commercialization.

If you’re energized by scientific discovery, enjoy translating ideas into practical solutions, and want to make a meaningful impact across multiple industries, we’d love to hear from you.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Invent, synthesize, and develop new molecules that address current and emerging business needs.
• Optimize chemical processes and support scale-up activities leading to commercialization.
• Develop structure-performance relationships to guide product and project decisions.
• Lead technical projects and serve as Technical Leader for assigned programs.
• Design and execute independent research to solve complex scientific challenges.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental findings to diverse stakeholders.
• Present scientific data at internal and external meetings.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of innovation and learning.
• Support sustainability initiatives and other strategic R&D activities.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and promote a strong safety culture.

Required Qualifications That Enable Your Success

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry (or equivalent) with 8+ years of industrial experience in organic or polymer synthesis, or
• PhD in Synthetic Chemistry with a focus on organic synthesis and relevant post-doctoral and/or industrial experience.
• Strong laboratory experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis.
• Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems through scientific reasoning and experimental design.
• Proven record of innovation and technical accomplishments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary environments.
• Experience managing multiple projects and delivering results to deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ChemDraw or equivalent scientific software.

Preferred Qualifications That Drive You Forward

• Experience with high-throughput chemistry.
• Knowledge of automation and machine learning applications within research environments.
• Experience with modelling and statistical analysis techniques.
• Process development experience, including scale-up and manufacturing support.
• Prior experience leading technical projects and mentoring colleagues.

Located just outside Derby, our Hazelwood site is Lubrizol’s European Marketing and Technical Centre, providing a collaborative environment where scientific innovation thrives.

• Standing, walking, or operating laboratory equipment for extended periods.
• Working in laboratory settings using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Using computers and digital tools for data analysis and communication.
• Adhering to rigorous safety protocols and laboratory standards.
• Occasionally lifting or moving research materials.

We continuously invest in our facilities, technologies, and people to support your wellbeing, productivity, and professional growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits that Empower You

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Pension and retirement savings programs.
• Life assurance coverage.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Flexible and supportive work environment.
• Inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued.

Ready for Your Next Discovery?

At Lubrizol, your ideas matter. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented scientists, tackle meaningful challenges, and create solutions that improve everyday life around the world.