Laboratory Technician in Inverurie

Founded in 1998, Italmatch Chemicals is a leading PE-backed global specialty chemicals manufacturer and innovator, focusing on advanced solutions for water treatment, lubricants, energy, specialties, and oleochemicals. Headquartered in Italy, and operating through 20 production plants and 8 R&D centres across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, with over 1,100 employees in 16 countries and annual revenues of approximately €700 million, we are committed to sustainable chemistry, integrating sustainability and circular economy principles into our innovation and manufacturing processes worldwide.

Based at our Eastern Hemisphere Laboratory in Aberdeen, this role supports the testing, evaluation and development of innovative oilfield chemical products for multinational clients across North America, LATAM, APAC, MENA and Europe. The position also provides technical support to internal business development teams and may involve occasional international travel.

Working in a laboratory environment, you will perform quality control, application and performance testing, while contributing to the development of new product formulations and proprietary blends. Responsibilities include:

• Conducting laboratory testing in accordance with industry standards.
• Supporting product development activities from research and formulation through to qualification and commercialisation.
• Maintaining accurate records of test methods, results and product data.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across technical and commercial teams, contribute to the development and improvement of laboratory test methods where required, and ensure all work is carried out in compliance with quality assurance, HSEQ and COSHH requirements.

Position requirements (knowledge, skill & experience required):

• Problem solving, analytical ability, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, good mathematics and computer skills.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal communication skills, the ability to work in a team is essential for success.
• Ability to take on tasks independently without direct supervision.
• Prior knowledge and experience of the oil & gas chemical services industry desirable.

Education: Highers in a science related subject. Right to work in UK.

Major responsibilities of the position:

• Provide technical support to clients, internal Business Development and laboratory teams around the world, ensuring the delivery of quality control and product performance evaluation activity for functional products across the range of oilfield disciplines as supported by the company.
• Aspects of Product Development and R&D projects including research, design, blending, testing, qualification, commercialisation, and operational support where required.
• Keep a neat and orderly notebook containing an accurate record of all laboratory test results.
• Prepare reports, write technical papers and give technical presentations as appropriate to develop reputation and market presence.
• Maintenance of equipment and associated records in support of quality and HSE activities and company Management Systems.
• Maintain other records as necessary to support patent applications for innovative products.
• An awareness of the literature and other sources of information to remain current with developments in the area of functional products of interest to the corporation.
• Develop hypotheses, design experiments to test those hypotheses, conduct experiments and observe the results of the experimentation.
• Form conclusions from their experimentation and might develop new hypotheses for further testing; deduce or infer from that data, proper stoichiometry and concentration, process sequence, raw materials and process equipment.
• Develop and analyse prototype samples for customer evaluation by processes that can be conducted on a plant scale; anticipate and resolve issues that might negatively affect plant introduction or product quality; assess processing and raw materials cost.
• Translate concepts and ideas into concise concrete production practice, understandable instructions, analytical test methods and research reports.
• Demonstrating proactive safety behaviours at all times and to communicate openly and honestly with colleagues.
• Comply with Italmatch’ HSEQ Policy, co-operate with employer and colleagues on HSEQ matters and actively participate with HSEQ reporting within the Management System.
• COSHH awareness for handling, storing and responsible use and disposal of chemicals and consumables, good laboratory housekeeping and maintaining safety in laboratories.
• Adhere to Quality Assurance process to ensure traceability.

At Italmatch Chemicals, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience and business needs.