Project Chemist in Billingham

Project Chemist

Location

Hartlepool and Billingham

Department

Research and Development

Reports to

R&D Team Leader

Working Pattern

Full-time, site-based

Salary

• Competitive
• About Natara

Natara Global is an international manufacturer of flavour and fragrance ingredients, supplying customers across the food, beverage, fragrance and consumer goods industries.

Its North East manufacturing sites operate within highly regulated environments, developing and producing specialist ingredients for customers across the UK and internationally.

Natara is continuing to invest in innovation, its people and its manufacturing capabilities as the business grows.

The Opportunity

Natara Global is looking for a Project Chemist to join its Research and Development team.

Working alongside the wider innovation team, you will undertake laboratory research focused on developing new products, processes and manufacturing techniques, as well as improving existing products.

You will take projects from initial research and laboratory development through scale-up and technology transfer, helping establish new products and processes within manufacturing.

You will also provide technical support to Production, Quality Control and Quality Assurance when required.

The role will involve working across Natara’s Hartlepool and Billingham sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and Development
• Research new processes, materials and techniques through literature reviews and laboratory-based experimental work.
• Support the development of new products and improvements to existing products and manufacturing processes.
• Plan and conduct laboratory trials safely, accurately and in line with agreed project objectives.
• Scale up chemical reactions to the maximum appropriate laboratory scale.
• Analyse experimental results and use findings to guide further development work.
• Maintain accurate, detailed and traceable laboratory records.
• Scale-Up and Technology Transfer
• Prepare comprehensive technology transfer packs to support the introduction of new products and processes into manufacturing.
• Translate laboratory research into practical and repeatable production processes.
• Work with the Quality Control team to develop analytical methods for in-process checks and final-product testing.
• Provide on-site technical support during development and scale-up trials within the production plant.
• Help troubleshoot technical challenges arising during product or process development.
• Technical Support and Reporting
• Provide technical assistance to Production, Quality Control and Quality Assurance teams when required.
• Prepare clear technical reports covering laboratory activities, project outcomes and recommendations.
• Produce technical content for internal communication and publication where appropriate.
• Communicate project progress, findings and potential issues to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage multiple development activities and priorities effectively.
• Safety, Quality and Housekeeping
• Follow all company Quality, Health and Safety and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Promote high standards of safety, quality and environmental compliance.
• Maintain accurate records, data and samples in accordance with company requirements.
• Follow good laboratory practice and maintain high standards of housekeeping.
• Ensure laboratory and office areas remain clean, organised and free from spillages.
• Work flexibly across the R&D function and support other technical activities where required.

Experience, Knowledge And Qualifications

• A BSc or MSc in Chemistry or a closely related subject.
• A broad understanding of modern organic chemistry.
• Good laboratory practice and confidence conducting practical experimental work.
• At least one year of laboratory-based research and development experience gained within an industrial or academic environment is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare clear technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and time-management skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.

Desirable

• Experience within the flavour, fragrance, specialty chemical or ingredients sector.
• Experience translating laboratory research into manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of reaction scale-up and technology-transfer processes.
• Experience supporting production or plant-based development trials.
• Experience developing analytical methods in collaboration with Quality Control.
• Confidence managing several projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong technical writing and report-preparation skills.
• Personal Attributes
• Curious and enthusiastic about scientific research and innovation.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
• Analytical, practical and solutions-focused.
• Highly organised, accurate and attentive to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable when priorities change.
• Confident building effective relationships with technical and operational teams.
• Collaborative and willing to support colleagues across the wider business.
• Dedicated, dependable and committed to delivering work to a high standard.
• Committed to continuous improvement, personal development and excellent laboratory standards.
• Natara Values
• We care.
• Be customer-focused.
• Raise the bar.
• Think and act as one team.
• Do the right thing.
• We deliver.
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