Organic Chemist

Job Title: Organic Chemist

Location: Timsbury, Hampshire, UK. SO51 0NU

Employment Type: Full-time,on site/in person

Salary Range: £30-40k depending on experience

Perks: Pension, Flexible Working Hours, Sick Pay, Stock Options, Cycle to Work Scheme, Free on-site Parking, Course and Conference Attendance Opportunities, Health & Wellbeing Monitoring, Free Refreshments, Bidding Opportunities, Picturesque Rural Location Close to Romsey and City of Southampton, Good Transport Links, Creativity & Ideas Exploration encouraged, Use of Facilities for Personal Projects outside of Normal Working Hours.

Job Overview

Organic Chemist – Defence Systems

We are looking for a motivated, hands-onand creative Organic Chemistto support our R&D and product development efforts. This role is ideal for an experienced lab chemist looking for a fresh challenge, or an early-career scientist eager to apply their organic chemistry skills in a dynamic startup environment with scope to explore ideas, contribute, learn and grow.

About PolyCAT

PolyCAT are a small company specialising in developing decontamination tools and other scientific and engineering-based technologies for the defence, security and responder sectors. PolyCAT’s patent-pending flagship technology relates to powder formulations for the catalytic detoxification of toxic chemicals, and a variety of delivery systems for a variety of scenarios and end user groups. However, our remit is far more diverse, and you will be joining a growing team with an excellent reputation, contacts and networks, a successful history of winning bids and contracts, broad interests, skills and an open mind as to where the future takes us. With a lean, highly collaborative team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead projects and grow alongside senior scientists and engineers.

Why Join Us

• Work on cutting-edge defence science projects that directly support national security and enhance capability.
• Be part of a collaborative, high-performing technical team, supporting a niche and interesting customer group.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and career development, including conference attendance and international travel.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Friendly, flexible work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute organic chemistry experiments both independently and as part of a team.
• Perform purification, characterization, and analysis of compounds (e.g. using NMR, HPLC, GC, MS). Help and training will always be available.
• Maintain detailed and accurate lab notebooks and documentation.
• Collaborate closely with other team members (e.g. to develop scalable processes).
• Support lab operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, record keeping and ensuring safety compliance.
• Help develop and maintain essential technical documentation, user guides and other records (e.g. chemical inventories).
• Write concise technical reports and review relevant scientific literature.
• Present results to a diverse audience.

Qualifications

• Minimum Batchelors degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience post Chemistry A-level). Postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD) candidates are also very welcome.

Essential skills / experience

• Experience working in a wet chemistry laboratory, safely handling a diverse range of chemicals.
• Academic or industrial experience in organic synthesis, synthetic methodology, or related laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with purification techniques (e.g. column chromatography, distillation).
• Knowledge of green chemistry principles.
• Familiarity with computational tools (e.g. Chem Office).
• Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment and a willingness to wear multiple hats.
• An interest in the chemistry of textiles and the use of green chemistry to change the surface chemistry of fabrics (e.g. make the surface water repellent).
• An understanding of materials compatibilities with harsh chemicals and solvents.
• A willingness to support lab and field trials, testing, validation and training with our products.
• Experience writing technical reports and presenting results.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and listening skills and a willingness to collaborate.
• Good problem solving & analytical skills.
• Eligibility to obtain security clearance if required (e.g. UK NATIONAL).

Non-essential / desirable

• Experience with scale-up or process chemistry.
• Experience in the chemistry of textiles (e.g. fabric dyeing chemistry).
• Industrial experience.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a concise covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to info@polycat.co.uk with the subject line:Organic Chemist Application.

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