Polymer Chemist
3 days ago
Bury St Edmunds
Job Title: Process Chemist Location: Newmarket Industry: Chemicals / Polymers Type: Full-time | On-site About the Company: Our client is a market-leading chemical manufacturer based in Newmarket, known for their innovation in polymer and materials chemistry. With a strong commitment to R&D, quality, and sustainability, they are looking to expand their technical team with a Process Chemist to support scale-up and manufacturing of new polymer products. The Role: This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a background in chemistry or polymer science and practical experience in polymer synthesis at lab or pilot plant scale. You will be involved in the development, scale-up, and transfer of new polymer-based products from lab through to full-scale manufacturing, supporting both internal teams and external customers. Key Responsibilities: • Carry out laboratory synthesis and pilot plant manufacture of new polymer products., • Operate and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment, including semi-batch processes and exothermic reaction scale-ups., • Collaborate with QC teams to ensure robust test methods are in place and product quality is maintained through scale-up., • Maintain clear and accurate process records and documentation., • Work with Procurement to identify and qualify sources of new raw materials., • Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and regulations., • Draft process documentation and support operator training as part of the lab-to-plant scale-up process., • Host and liaise with external customers during trial production or site visits., • Provide technical support to manufacturing and operations teams, contributing to process improvements and quality initiatives., • Promote waste minimisation and drive efficiency improvements in processes., • Participate in manual handling and physical aspects of the role, including carrying and lifting various materials. The successful candidate will have: • A degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related discipline., • Practical experience in organic or polymer synthesis, ideally including:, • Free radical polymerisation (solution and/or emulsion), • Polyurethane chemistry, • Semi-batch processes, • Scale-up of exothermic reactions, • Process troubleshooting, • A solid understanding of chemical hazards, safe handling, and correct labelling of chemicals and waste., • Be part of an innovative and growing chemical business., • Gain hands-on experience in both lab and pilot plant scale chemistry., • Work on cutting-edge polymer technologies with commercial impact., • Clear progression path in a collaborative and technically strong team., • 4 day working week 09.00-17.00 – with flexibility on these hours if required., • £55k + benefits