R&D Chemist in Wantage

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future! MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.

Across diverse sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, telecom, data storage, infrastructure, and AI, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions has earned the trust of manufacturers worldwide. Our comprehensive range of high-quality solutions and technical services enables the entire electronics supply chain, empowering businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

We embody the 'Elements of our Culture' - our 5C's; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for? We are looking for a proactive and self-driven individual with knowledge of polymer and materials science, or a willingness to develop this expertise through research and practical application. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and a strong safety mindset. They will communicate effectively, work collaboratively within a team, and take ownership of their responsibilities while maintaining a high level of accountability.

This role is office/lab based working Monday to Friday from our Wantage site.

What will you be doing? As an R&D Chemist, act as a key resource for the understanding of polymer science for the R&D team through fundamental studies of new and existing products, technologies and raw materials. Your responsibilities will include:

• Research & Development
  • Conducting fundamental polymer and materials science research to support the development and improvement of new and existing products and technologies.
  • Developing and refining test methods to advance understanding of polymer behaviour and material performance.
  • Planning and executing Design of Experiments (DoE) studies, including statistical analysis and interpretation of results.
  • Operating and managing a range of material and chemical analytical equipment to support research activities.
• Technical Expertise & Innovation
  • Providing polymer and materials science expertise to support key R&D projects and development activities.
  • Investigating material properties, performance, and behaviours to generate scientific insight and drive innovation.
  • Identifying opportunities to improve testing approaches, product performance, and technical understanding.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Collaborating with R&D Chemists and cross-functional stakeholders to support project delivery and technical decision-making.
  • Participating in technical discussions, providing scientific expertise and recommendations.
  • Preparing, authoring, and presenting technical reports, findings, and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensuring all laboratory work is conducted in accordance with safety procedures, regulatory requirements, and best laboratory practices.
  • Maintaining accurate records, equipment calibration, and good laboratory practices.

Who are You? You are someone who embodies both scientific excellence and collaborative spirit. Specifically, you:

• Are naturally curious
• Enjoy hands-on work in the lab and take pride in analytical precision
• Communicate complex information clearly and effectively
• Thrive in diverse, multicultural teams across sites
• Are resilient, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity
• Bring a proactive and solution-oriented mindset to your work
• Value both innovation and practicality—balancing creativity with technical feasibility

What competencies will you need?

To succeed in this role, you will need a blend of technical and interpersonal competencies, including:

• Technical Competencies
  • Knowledge of polymer and materials science.
  • Ability to relate material properties to product performance.
  • Competent in analytical testing and following test methods accurately.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Familiarity with DOE and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab) is advantageous.
• Professional Competencies
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking ability
  • Strong project management and organisation skills
  • Clear and concise written and verbal communication
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and global teams
  • Adaptability to shifting priorities and evolving project scopes

Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred, depending on specialization). Prior experience in an R&D laboratory environment (industrial experience highly advantageous).

We are Offering... Our people are the heart of our business and we offer an exceptional range of benefits when joining which include:

• 25 days holiday (plus Bank Hols)
• For this role, we are offering a salary starting from £32,500 per annum
• Performance based Annual bonus scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Enhanced Company pension
• Subsidised on-site canteen
• Free on-site parking
• Shopping discounts

This role is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Employment will be conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory DBS certificate.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.