At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in metal recovery and develop cutting-edge chemical processes.
- Company: Join IEX Technologies, a leader in sustainable metal recovery solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and contribute to the circular economy.
- Qualifications: BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry with 5+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process / Development Chemist with a strong background in industrial chemistry to join our expanding technical team. This role combines hands-on technical development with the practical application of solutions across our laboratory, pilot plant, and customer operations. The successful candidate will bring technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and a strong commitment to health, safety, and continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Pilot Plant Operations: Design test programmes and operating methodologies for pilot plant activities, supporting the manufacture and evaluation of selective adsorbents and the recovery of precious metals (PGMs). Support distillation, filtration, and reaction processes in CSTR and FBR systems.
- Research and Development: Identify and investigate new applications for existing materials while contributing to the development of new selective adsorbents and metal recovery technologies. Plan, execute, and evaluate development programmes to support business growth and technical advancement.
- Customer Engagement: Work closely with customers to understand technical and operational challenges, providing expertise in precious metal recovery and supporting the development of effective process solutions.
- Safety Leadership: Take ownership of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices across laboratory and pilot plant operations. Develop and maintain safe working procedures, ensure compliance with COSHH, REACH, and HSE regulations, and promote a proactive safety culture through risk assessment, training, and continuous improvement.
- Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership for laboratory and pilot plant operations, developing and optimising procedures to support research, process development, and scale-up. Drive continuous improvement in laboratory performance and mentor technical staff to foster innovation and technical excellence.
- Quality Leadership: Lead the laboratory quality management system, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. Drive ISO 9001 accreditation, maintain quality procedures and SOPs, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Analytical Techniques: Apply a range of analytical techniques, including GC, GC-MS, ICP-OES, to support process development, investigate technical issues, and generate data that informs decision-making and project delivery.
Qualifications: BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry (or equivalent)
EXPERIENCE
- Pilot Plant Operations: Demonstrated experience (5+ years) operating and developing pilot-scale processes in the fine and industrial chemicals sectors, with hands-on responsibility for projects ranging from 1 kg to 1 tonne scale.
- Development: Experience leading product and process development programmes, from experimental design and scale-up through to implementation and performance evaluation.
- Industrial Manufacturing: Exposure to full-scale chemical manufacturing environments (10,000+ TPA), with an understanding of the challenges associated with process scale-up would be advantageous.
DESIRABLE TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Strong working knowledge of chemical principles and practices, including distillation, mixing in stirred tanks and fixed bed reactors.
- Practical experience with analytical techniques such as GC, GC-MS, ICP-OES.
- Knowledge of Ion Exchange, chelation materials and principles.
- Knowledge of precious metal chemistry.
- Understanding of applied hydrometallurgical principles.
WHY JOIN US
- Innovative Environment: Work in a multi-discipline team developing and applying advanced metal recovery technologies to address industry challenges.
- Professional Development: Access opportunities to expand your skills, gain experience across a range of projects, and progress your career.
- High-Growth Opportunity: Join a business operating in a sustainability-focused industry with strong long-term demand and development opportunities.
- Influence and Responsibility: Take on a role where your work will have a visible impact on projects, operations, and business performance.
- Impactful Work: Play a key role in delivering sustainable and efficient metal recovery processes that contribute to the circular economy and reduce environmental impact.
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary and performance incentives.
- Professional development and industry training, and the opportunity to advance your career.
- Opportunity to work within an award-winning, sustainability-focused organisation.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and make a significant impact in the field of metal recovery, we would love to hear from you!
ABOUT IEX TECHNOLOGIES
IEX Technologies develops and supplies technologies for the recovery of precious metals from industrial process streams. We are committed to advancing sustainable and efficient metal recovery through the development of innovative process solutions and an expanding portfolio of selective adsorbents. By enabling customers to recover, recycle, and reuse valuable metals, IEX Technologies helps improve resource efficiency and supports a more sustainable precious metals industry.
Senior Process / Development Chemist in York employer: IEX Technologies
IEX Technologies is an excellent employer for a Senior Process / Development Chemist, offering a dynamic and innovative environment where you can contribute to sustainable metal recovery solutions. With a strong focus on professional development and career progression, employees are encouraged to expand their skills while working on impactful projects that drive operational excellence. Located in a sustainability-focused industry, IEX provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in resource efficiency and environmental impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Process / Development Chemist in York
✨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 IEX Technologies. 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 IEX Technologies 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 IEX Technologies, 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 IEX Technologies 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 Senior Process / Development Chemist in York
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 IEX Technologies. 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 IEX Technologies
✨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 IEX Technologies and the Senior Process / Development 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!