The Role
We are seeking a Scale-Up Chemist to bridge laboratory chemistry and industrial manufacturing as Vateris moves toward demonstration plant deployment.
The company is preparing to deliver a ~£15 million demonstration plant from Q4 2026 onwards, and this role will play a key part in translating laboratory chemistry into reliable industrial operation.
We are specifically looking for candidates with practical industrial scale-up experience and backgrounds closely aligned to process industries.
Responsibilities
- Support pilot and future demonstration plant operations
- Translate laboratory procedures into scalable industrial processes
- Troubleshoot process variability and operational issues
- Improve robustness, operability and process consistency
- Develop scalable operating procedures and QC methods
- Work closely with engineering and operations teams
- Support commissioning and scale-up activities
Requirements
- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline from a top 5 UK university or equivalent leading European institution, or equivalent industrial experience in a highly relevant field
- Typically 5+ years of industrial experience in pilot plants, manufacturing or industrial scale-up environments
- Strong practical understanding of industrial chemical processes and plant operations
- Experience with slurry systems, precipitation, crystallisation, powder handling or related industrial processes
- Strong troubleshooting and operational problem-solving capability
- Comfortable working hands-on with industrial equipment and operations
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving and execution-focused environments
Highly Desirable
- Experience from specialty chemicals, industrial minerals, fertilisers, carbon capture, hydrometallurgy or related process industries
- Experience supporting plant commissioning, startup or process optimisation
- Experience working in startups or industrial scale-up companies