At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to develop and optimise sustainable hydrogenation processes.
- Company: HydRegen, a pioneering biotechnology company focused on sustainable chemical manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with a focus on safety and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable chemistry while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; industrial lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
HydRegen is an innovative biotechnology company at the forefront of developing cutting-edge biocatalytic hydrogenation technologies for sustainable chemical manufacturing. As the business continues to grow, they are looking for an experienced Chemist to join their Chemistry R&D team in Oxford. This is an exciting opportunity to work on pioneering hydrogenation technologies, helping to develop and scale sustainable chemical processes while collaborating with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.
The Role
As a Chemist within HydRegen's Chemistry R&D team, you'll play a key role in developing, optimising and scaling catalytic hydrogenation processes. Working in a hands-on laboratory environment, you'll be responsible for designing experiments, operating pressure reactors and delivering high-quality scientific data that supports product development and customer projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute catalytic hydrogenation experiments using pressure reactors and autoclaves.
- Optimise reaction conditions through structured experimentation and data-driven approaches.
- Develop scalable hydrogenation processes from laboratory through to pilot scale.
- Design downstream purification strategies, including filtration, extraction and phase separation.
- Analyse experimental data and produce clear technical reports and documentation.
- Operate analytical equipment including HPLC, NMR and UV spectroscopy.
- Maintain the highest standards of laboratory safety, risk assessment and regulatory compliance.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to deliver successful projects.
- Contribute to the development of next-generation products and technologies.
- Support a positive, collaborative and safety-focused laboratory culture.
About You
To be successful in this role, you'll have:
- A degree in Chemistry, Industrial Biotechnology, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
- Previous industrial laboratory experience within catalytic hydrogenation, process chemistry, organic synthesis or reaction development.
- Hands-on experience operating pressurised stirred-tank reactors, pressure vessels or autoclaves.
- Strong knowledge of hydrogenation processes, pressure-system safety and reaction optimisation.
- Experience using analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR and UV spectroscopy.
- Excellent problem-solving, organisational and communication skills.
- A proactive approach with a strong focus on quality, safety and continuous improvement.
- Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE), process scale-up, continuous flow chemistry or statistical data analysis would be advantageous but is not essential.
Apply Today
If you're looking to join a forward-thinking organisation where you can contribute to the future of sustainable chemical manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you. HydRegen welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourages applications from those who may not meet every listed requirement but can demonstrate the relevant skills and experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chemist in Oxford
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like HydRegen. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like HydRegen to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to HydRegen, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like HydRegen and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Chemist in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at HydRegen. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at HydRegen
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to HydRegen and the Chemist role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
