An exciting opportunity has arisen within our client's Research and Development team in West Bromwich for a Senior R&D Chemist.
We are seeking a hands-on, technically strong chemist to contribute to a wide range of research and development activities. The successful candidate will work on allocated projects, ensuring they are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high standard of documentation.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct research and development activities on assigned projects, ensuring efficient use of departmental resources and adherence to safety standards.
* Prepare detailed reports and maintain accurate project documentation.
* Work under the guidance of the Process Research Manager or Senior Research Chemist as required, utilising internal and external literature sources to support process development, optimisation, and problem-solving.
* Develop and document processes to enable smooth technology transfer to manufacturing.
* Operate and interpret results from existing analytical methods; support development of new methods alongside the Senior Research Analyst.
* Assist in designing and developing processes suitable for safe and efficient scale-up to pilot plant and full manufacturing operations.
* Support regulatory compliance by assisting with relevant assessments.
* Carry out experimental work in both laboratory and pilot plant environments.
* Design laboratory experiments with consideration for large-scale manufacturing applicability.
* Operate laboratory and pilot plant equipment safely and effectively.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, participate in Process Improvement Groups (PIG), and occasionally engage with customers or site visits.
* Work to internal and customer-driven deadlines, often requiring a high level of concentration and attention to detail.
* Maintain accurate experimental records in line with ISO 9001 standards.
* Produce technical reports and contribute to process instructions for pilot plant operations.
* Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards (e.g. COSHH, COMAH, IPC, ISO 14001).
* Develop and apply analytical techniques (e.g. spectroscopic, chromatographic) to monitor reactions and analyse products.
* Operate analytical instrumentation and associated software, including basic maintenance.
* Provide occasional support to the analytical laboratory in the absence of the Research Analyst.
Requirements
Degree in Chemistry (minimum requirement).
Strong laboratory experience in a relevant field.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and chemical drawing software (e.g. ISIS Draw).
Excellent communication skills, including technical report writing.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Understanding of company procedures and relevant legislation.
Benefits
Competitive salary circa £32,000
36.25-hour working week
25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays
Life assurance (following qualifying period)
Generous paid sick scheme (following qualifying period)
Stakeholder pension scheme
Access to voluntary employee benefits and medical cash plan
Salary description
£30000.00 - £32000.00 per year