At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to conduct innovative research in organic chemistry and analytical services.
- Company: Key Organics Limited, a reputable Cornwall-based specialty chemistry company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a stable, long-established company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse chemistry projects while growing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in chemistry with 5+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Key Organics Limited is a long-established, Cornwall-based specialty contract chemistry company with over 40 years of continuous operation. We are seeking an experienced Physical Organic Chemist to join our technical team in Camelford. This is a broad, hands-on role that combines synthetic and analytical chemistry within a quality-assured environment. The successful candidate will contribute to contract chemistry projects, analytical services (with a focus on ICP-OES/MS), and research and development activities across our portfolio, which increasingly includes critical minerals extraction and materials chemistry. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated chemist who enjoys variety, values scientific rigour, and wants to work in an environment where their contributions have direct commercial impact.
Synthetic & Analytical Chemistry Expertise
- Conduct and interpret ICP-OES analyses for elemental characterisation, method development, and critical minerals programmes.
- Perform physical organic chemistry studies including kinetic, thermodynamic, and mechanistic investigations.
- Support method development and validation in accordance with ISO 9001 quality frameworks.
- Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation including ICP-OES, NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, and UV-Vis where appropriate.
- Undertake synthetic organic chemistry projects where relevant.
Essential Requirements
- Degree (BSc or MChem) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline; a higher degree (MSc or PhD) in physical organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related field is strongly preferred.
- A minimum of five years' post-qualification experience in a chemical-research, analytical, or contract chemistry environment.
- Demonstrable hands-on experience operating ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS instrumentation, including sample preparation, calibration, and data interpretation.
- Proven experience working within an ISO 9001-accredited or GLP-compliant quality environment, with a thorough understanding of the associated documentation requirements.
- Sound understanding of physical organic chemistry principles, including reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and structure-activity relationships.
- Competence in standard characterisation techniques including NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, and mass spectrometry.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; able to produce clear, concise technical reports and present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organisational skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Pension scheme.
- A stimulating, collaborative technical environment with exposure to genuinely diverse chemistry, from fine chemical synthesis to critical minerals analytical programmes.
- A stable, long-established company with a strong reputation, undergoing an exciting period of growth and diversification.
Interested candidates should submit a covering letter and current CV to: NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Locations
PhD Organic Chemist in Devon, Exeter employer: Key Organics
Key Organics Limited is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque setting of Cornwall, offering a stimulating and collaborative work environment for PhD Organic Chemists. With over 40 years of experience, we provide our employees with generous holiday entitlements, a pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a stable company that values scientific rigour and innovation in contract chemistry. Join us to make a meaningful impact in diverse chemistry projects while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive and quality-assured atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Organic Chemist in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the chemistry field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your hands-on experience with ICP-OES and other analytical techniques. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with the role at Key Organics.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for chemistry! During interviews, share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise in physical organic chemistry and your ability to contribute to contract chemistry projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Organic Chemist in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your cover letter for the PhD Organic Chemist role. Highlight your relevant experience in physical organic chemistry and any specific projects that align with Key Organics' focus on critical minerals extraction.
Showcase Your Skills:In your CV, emphasise your hands-on experience with ICP-OES and other analytical techniques mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills can directly contribute to our projects!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. Remember, we appreciate excellent communication skills, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Key Organics.
How to prepare for a job interview at Key Organics
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of physical organic chemistry principles, especially reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with ICP-OES and other analytical techniques, as this will show your depth of understanding and practical skills.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Think about specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description. Be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to contract chemistry projects or method development, particularly in an ISO 9001 environment. This will demonstrate your ability to apply your skills in a real-world setting.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Prepare to discuss your written communication skills by bringing along samples of technical reports you've produced.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their current projects, team dynamics, and future directions in critical minerals extraction. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
