57 Best chemist Jobs in Oxford (March 2026)

Lab & Operations Associate

18 hours ago

Oxford

Lab & Operations Associate | Eligentis About Eligentis At Eligentis, we are transforming lithium extraction for a sustainable future. By leveraging an innovative Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, our mission is to unlock sustainable lithium supply for the global electrification in the decades to come. 60% of global Li reserves are in brines; traditional pond evaporation methods are capital-intensive, environmentally damaging and have slow throughput. DLE mitigates these challenges via selective extraction of Li ions, improving speed, efficiency, and environmental impact; While early DLE solutions have proven to be commercially viable for high-grade brines; substantial market demand exists for higher-performing, cost-effective solution to unlock lower-grade brine lithium resources. Our Solution Eligentis have developed a new generation sorbent technology delivering high Li uptake capacity, high selectivity, and a low-cost manufacturing process. The combination of high performance and low costs affords access to lower cost and cleaner lithium. Sustainability Impact • Direct re-injection into aquifiers of spent brine minimises water usage, • No large evaporation ponds or large land disruption, • Near-original water chemistry after Li extraction with minimal chemical footprint, • Supports electrification and energy transition by building a resilient global lithium supply chain Our Story The technology was originally developed by SENFI UK, the Oxford-based R&D centre of SCGC (chemical business of the $14 billion conglomerate SCG). The technology development has been led by Dr Jindui Hong who has joined Eligentis as Founder CTO. In addition, the team has been complemented by Dr Kevin Matthews, a well-respected industry leader in the chemicals and materials industries who has joined as founding Chair. We are now moving from pilot to commercial deployment with the backing of deep-tech investor Oxford Science Enterprises. Role Description The opportunity now exists for an ambitious, technically trained and commercially aware individual to join our team just after foundation. This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact from the start and grow rapidly with the business. We are looking for an organised pro-active self-starter that is comfortable with rapid change requiring personal growth but who is also happy to do what is needed to meet the commercial and technical needs of the business no matter how mundane. This is a cross-functional role supporting lab operations, facilities, field logistics, and elements of customer and marketing coordination. You will work closely with the technical and leadership team to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the lab and office while contributing to the successful delivery of trials and customer projects. In the first 6-12 months, you’ll play a key role in the laboratory and operational activities to move the business forward. No two days will look the same — and that’s part of the appeal. This role is ideal for early career industrial chemist, chemical/process engineer etc. who wants to: • Understand how deep-tech companies scale from lab to market, • Build operational systems from scratch, • Work directly with founders and technical leaders, • Grow into future operational or commercial lead roles If you’re excited by the ownership, variety, and building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you. About You We are looking for someone who is: • Highly organised and detail-oriented, comfortable juggling multiple responsibilities, • Proactive and able to work independently, • Practical and hands-on, • Clear and professional in communication, • Willing to travel overseas, • Adaptable and excited by start-up environments Essential Skills & Experience • Previous experience in a laboratory environment and familiar with health & safety procedures, • Strong organisational and documentation skills, • Experience with expense tracking and other essential administrative tasks, • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines, • Comfortable handling physical tasks, • Able to work on site 5 days per week Desirable • Experience supporting field work or trials Why join us? • Build a company tackling a global critical minerals challenge, • Work directly with the founders, • Training and mentorship opportunities, • Gain broad exposure across technology, operations, and commercial activities, • Strong growth potential as the company scales, • Making a real-world impact Compensation & Benefits: • Salary: £38K-£42K/yr, • Employee share option scheme, • 25 days holiday + bank holidays, • Pension scheme with a 5% Company contribution

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