At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative formulations for industrial applications in a lab-based role.
- Company: Innospec is a global specialty chemicals company focused on innovative technologies and responsive service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, annual bonuses, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making impactful products while developing your chemistry skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: University degree in chemistry with 2+ years of relevant experience in an industrial lab or R&D role.
- Other info: Limited travel opportunities and a chance to contribute to patent applications.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Applications & Development Chemist – Industrial
We are seeking an Applications & Development Chemist to join our innovative team. In this role, you will lead the development and characterization of specialized formulations for various industrial applications, including construction (gypsum and mortar additives), coatings, pigments, adhesives, and more.
As an Applications & Development Chemist, your main responsibility will be to connect the specific purpose of the formulation (performance) to the chemistries (structure) that are currently available or need to be synthesized. You will develop the chemistries into effective, easy-to-deliver formulations that meet performance and stability targets as dictated by the specific application. This is a lab-based role that sits within the Industrial team. You will work closely with and be a key contact between application testing, business managers, and the commercial team.
This position will report to the Industrial Technical Manager located at the Ellesmere Port R&D site and will be part of the Global Industrial and Mining Technical team.
Role Responsibilities
- Develop knowledge of Innospec industrial additive products and to be able to provide structure-performance relationships in the chemistries used in these applications.
- Based on this knowledge, create novel chemistries and/or formulations that matches or exceeds currently used products in this industry.
- Progress the development of products through proper stages of project management – from inception to commercialization.
- Assist in the testing of these new products in lab environment using standard equipment to include performance and stability assessment.
- Able to discuss these new products and application testing results with the technical and commercial teams.
- Collaborate with application testing and external testing facilities to evaluate products.
- Manage both internal and customer projects within the agreed timelines.
- Produce samples on Laboratory scale.
- Maintain accurate records of lab activities, issue detailed technical reports in a reasonable time frame and, when required, prepare effective PowerPoint presentations to present internal projects to the technical and business teams.
- Perform a thorough review of the existing patent literature to ensure the new formulations could be brought to market without any legal complications.
- When appropriate, contribution includes drafting patent applications to protect new product developments and new technologies.
- Adhere to company SHE standards relevant to the R&D function to ensure a safe working environment.
- Limited travel to customers and conferences, depending on the business needs.
Requirements
- University Degree in chemistry.
- At least 2 years of applications or formulation experience in an industrial laboratory or R&D based role.
- Understanding of surfactant and their applications in plasterboard, dry-mix formulations, paints & coatings and other industrial applications. Existing experience in construction additives & coatings is a plus.
- Familiarity of basic analytical chemistry techniques.
- Knowledge of IT applications such as Microsoft Office.
- Creative, logical, and analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
- A team player, with the ability to work well both independently and as part of a wider cross-functional Global team.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
About Innospec
Innospec is a global specialty chemicals company focused on bringing innovative new technologies to market combined with a fast and responsive service. We serve a range of industries across the world, bringing our products to customers in markets from oilfields, fuels, refineries and power stations to personal care and performance chemicals.
Our global team of approximately 2,000 employees spans 24 countries, applying their extensive experience and market understanding to customers’ local needs. Integrating our global footprint with local service capability enables us to supply quality products that meet and anticipate changing market dynamics.
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary alongside the following benefits:
- Up to 10% employee, and 15% employer pension contributions
- Annual bonus of up to 30% of basic salary
- 6x death in service
- Private medical insurance
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to 28 days after 2-, 4- and 5-years’ service)
- Sharesave scheme
- Hybrid working (40% of the week can be worked from home).
Applications & Development Chemist employer: Innospec Inc.
Contact Detail:
Innospec Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Applications & Development Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Innospec's industrial additive products. Understanding their structure-performance relationships will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have with surfactants and their applications, especially in plasterboard and dry-mix formulations. This specific knowledge is crucial for the Applications & Development Chemist position and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management skills and how you've successfully progressed product development in previous roles. Being able to articulate your experience in managing timelines and collaborating with teams will be key during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your analytical chemistry techniques and be ready to share examples of how you've applied them in a lab setting. This will show that you have the technical expertise needed for the role and can contribute effectively from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Applications & Development Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Applications & Development Chemist position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to emphasize relevant experience in applications or formulation within an industrial laboratory. Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that relate to the development of formulations and performance assessments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background in chemistry and your experience with surfactants and industrial applications to the role. Mention your ability to work collaboratively with technical and commercial teams, as well as your attention to detail.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to present technical information clearly and effectively, whether through reports or presentations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innospec Inc.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of surfactants and their applications in various industrial formulations. Highlight any relevant experience you have with construction additives and coatings, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since the role involves progressing product development through various stages, be ready to share examples of how you've managed projects from inception to commercialization. Discuss any tools or methodologies you used to keep projects on track.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
You will need to communicate effectively with both technical and commercial teams. Practice explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, and be ready to discuss how you would present lab results and technical reports.
✨Emphasize Team Collaboration
This position requires working closely with cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles, and highlight your ability to work independently as well as part of a team.