Research & Development Chemist

CK Group are recruiting for a Research & Development Chemist to join a chemicals manufacturing company in the construction industry at their site based in Belper, on a full time permanent basis.

The Company:

Our client is a well-established chemicals manufacturing company and they now have a vacancy for an experienced R&D Chemist, who will work with various chemical formulations. The company offers a salary in the region of £30,000-£40,000pa for this role depending on experience, as wellas pension and 20 days holiday + bank holidays. This role will combine office, laboratory and factory work. Some travel is required. The atmosphere is relatively fast paced with multiple projects being worked on at the same time. Hours are 8am-5pm,Monday-Friday.

Location:

This role is located in Belper, commutable from Derby and surrounding areas.

R&D Polymer Chemist Role:

Your main duties will be:

• innovating new products and processes and supporting existing products and processes
• optimizing operational costs and installation costs
• quality assurance of raw material specifications
• design and performance requirements of products used in building envelope systems
• research latest technologies using laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant-scale processing equipment to create new products and building assemblies, test methods, formulations, and processing techniques
• effective communication of this knowledge will be demonstrated by teaching others, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with stakeholders

Your Background:

The ideal candidate for this role will have the following skills and experience:

• degree qualified in Chemistry, Polymer Science (or related technical discipline) - essential, Masters or PhD is preferred
• proven industry experience in an R&D Technician, R&D Chemist, Plant Quality Lab Technician or Material Test Operator role in a manufacturing plant, test lab, or R&D facility - essential
• knowledge of silicone, STPE polymers, epoxy, polysulphide, hot melts, or pressure sensitive adhesives, sealants or coatings is a plus
• experience of new product formulation research and development
• operation of analytical, mechanical property and chemical processing equipment
• polymer manufacturing technologies knowledge such as small-, pilot- or plant-scale processing equipment; plant batch- and/or continuous-manufacturing processes
• knowledge of polymer materials and compounds including mechanical and physical testing instruments, high temperature physical property test equipment

Entitlement to work in the UK is essential. For more information or to apply for this Research & Development Chemist position, please contact Victoria Walker on 01246 457702 or email vwalker@ckgroup.co.uk . Please quote reference 52223.e to the writing of collective bids.

• Begin to referee papers for external bodies.
• Participate effectively in activities to achieve engagement with research, and/or impact beyond academia.
• Please note this list is not exhaustive, follow the link to view the full details

Criteria

Education, Experience & Achievements

Essential

• A relevant postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional experience in the field of carbohydrate material science.
• Previous experience of independent research.
• Presentations at conferences and a track record of publications in respected journals or equivalent in the field.

Desirable

• Research experience in polysaccharide and their industrial applications.
• Involvementin packaging material research and development.
• Materials formulation and characterisation expertise.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrable communication skills in English language.
• Good IT skills in Microsoft/Adobe Programmes.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Good interpersonal skills. Initiative in planning research.
• Detailed subject knowledge in the area of research.
• Specialist knowledge and practical skills capable of leading to independent, original contributions to the subject area.
• High-level analytical skills.
• Full awareness of the ethical issues involved in their research work.

Desirable

• Project managementexperience.
• Team working skills.
• Communication skills.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to stimulate and encourage the commitment to learnin others.
• Ability to use initiative, and apply creativity, to solve problems that

Desirable

• A passion for making a positive impact on the environment especially in plastic waste.