Product Development Scientist, WO in Manchester

Arxada is a global science-based specialty chemicals business that’s committed to solving the world’s toughest preservation challenges through better science. With a proud history of innovation dating back more than a century, we aim to help our customers develop more sustainable solutions that protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of people and extend the life of vital infrastructure while working to reduce our and our customers’ ecological footprint.

Sustainable preservation is one of our top priorities. We are making significant strategic investments that will not only decrease our own environmental footprint, but also help customers adapt to long-term environmental and social change through the development of cleaner, greener solutions.

Arxada Wood Protection EMEA has an exciting opportunity for a Product Development Scientist to join the R&D team in Manchester, UK. In this role you will have the responsibility for the development (design and testing) of new and improved biocidal wood products, including having an important contribution to identify and test novel and cutting-edge technologies to maintain and strengthen our position as market leaders. You will encompass design and testing of these products from formulation stability to interaction with wood and scale-up trials, that need to meet the requirements governed by European regulatory guidelines. Internally your product development work is part of a project management stage gate process, where collaboration with internal teams such as regulatory, procurement and customer services will be critical to the success of delivering products to the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, formulate, and evaluate novel, industry leading products and revise/reformulate existing products
• Develop and optimise test methods for the evaluation of formulations and treated timber
• Utilise a wide range of analytical testing methods including XRF, HPLC, LCMS and GC
• Encompass applications testing of these products which includes treatment of wood and setting up efficacy studies
• Understand the context in which development projects evolve within critical and complex regulatory guidelines and customer/region specific requirements
• Foster strong relationships and collaborate with regulatory, procurement and customer support teams for the successful completion of development projects
• Provide sound interpretation of scientific results
• Preparation technical reports, presentations and other management/administrative tasks related to EMEA R&D function
• Perform all work in a safe manner in accordance with internal quality and COSHH regulations, and that EHS initiatives are supported

Key Requirements

• Degree in a science discipline – Chemistry or Material Science preferred
• Minimum 2 years’ of industrial experience as Research and Development Scientist (wood science, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals preferred)
• Strong knowledge of formulation stability through use of a number of analytical techniques e.g. light scattering, rheology, particle-size, contact angle, tensiometer
• Understands the science behind the use of modern analytical instrumentation in this field and be able to apply it in the laboratory
• Excellent organizational / planning skills and to develop good working relationships
• Report writing excellence, with high attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Confidence with excellent communication skills at all levels, both verbal and written

What We Will Offer

• Be an integral part on the development of products that promote sustainable preservation of a renewable source material as wood
• Develop products and solutions that have a direct impact on timber finished products in the market (e.g. constructions materials, cladding, transmission poles)

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas: Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection. Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.