At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in sustainable chemistry and develop eco-friendly metal recovery solutions.
- Company: Join Seloxium, a dynamic spin-out from Oxford University revolutionising the mining sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, private healthcare, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for global travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the circular economy while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in chemistry and 2+ years lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Seloxium Limited is a dynamic and diverse spin out company from the University of Oxford. We are revolutionising clean growth and the circular economy within the mining & refining sectors by selectively recovering high value metals from in process or effluent water streams. Our multi patented 'selective flocculation' technology will change the way we mine, refine and process these metals, offering a greener and more sustainable solution to metallic resource recovery and reuse.
As we grow, we are looking for a Development Chemist, able to commute to or living in Oxford, to take fundamental chemical concepts and formulate or refine safe, sustainable, and cost effective products ready for the commercial market to join our team.
About the Role: As a lab based Development Chemist, you will be responsible for planning and leading a variety of projects at different stages of commercial readiness. You will be expected to design and conduct experiments in synthetic organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and selective metal extraction employing Selectal technology, with a particular focus on metal recovery from organic and process feeds using liquid-liquid extraction and related separation techniques.
This role would suit a researcher with experience in polymer chemistry, metal removal methods, wastewater treatment, or a related field. You should be willing to mentor junior colleagues in a small team and be able to communicate technical information effectively to individuals from other disciplines or from non technical backgrounds. It is likely that there will be an opportunity to work at Seloxium sites within the UK and globally.
We are looking for a passionate innovator who is inspired by the sustainable and circular economy and wants to help build Seloxium into a green and profitable company that can make a real impact in achieving our goals.
This role is for you if you have:
- A postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc, etc.) in a relevant field (chemistry, polymer chemistry, organometallic chemistry, etc.)
- 2+ Years (5+ years for master's level candidates) additional experience in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of metal coordination chemistry (e.g., ligand field theory, HSAB)
- Practical expertise in liquid-liquid extraction: solvent selection, phase system design, stripping, and phase separation troubleshooting
- Experience in metal recovery from organic feeds (e.g. homogeneous catalyst residues, loaded organic phases, process solvents)
- Working knowledge of hydrometallurgical unit operations: leaching, pH control, precipitation, and solid-liquid separation
- Working knowledge of analytical techniques common in organic and inorganic chemistry, ideally for solution phase polymeric species (NMR, chromatography, ICP, spectroscopic analysis, etc.)
- Understanding of COSHH and risk assessments in a laboratory setting
- Experience in leading/mentoring junior team members.
- The ability to translate customer input into technically and economically feasible solutions.
- The ability to form good relationships with colleagues and be able to resolve conflicts considerately and professionally.
Ideally you can also show:
- Working knowledge of polymer-surfactant interactions, aggregation behaviour, and colloidal stability
- Working knowledge of polymerisation chemistry, polymer analysis, wastewater treatment, and alternative flocculation technologies.
- Experience with recycling or stripping metals from polymer-metal floc or precipitate
- Familiarity with membrane separation or polymer enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF)
- Experience/Understanding in developing, scaling, and manufacturing chemicals at pilot scale (>kg scale).
- Experience with selective metal separation technologies (Ion exchange, membranes, solvent extraction, and electrolysis) in a manufacturing or environmental context.
- Experience working in an SME/Start up environment.
What Seloxium Offers:
- A competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays
- Excellent employee package, including generous pension, private healthcare and share options
- This is an onsite role in Oxford but we offer flexible working arrangements to ensure your work life balance with core hours of 10am - 3pm.
- Friendly and dynamic working environment with employee social events
Development Chemist in Oxford employer: Seloxium Limited
Seloxium Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability. As a Financial Controller, you will not only manage financial operations but also play a pivotal role in shaping the company's growth strategy within a supportive culture that values adaptability and strategic thinking. With competitive benefits, including generous leave, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development, you'll thrive in a fast-paced setting that encourages personal and career growth while contributing to meaningful projects in the critical metals recovery sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chemist in Oxford
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Seloxium Limited. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like Seloxium Limited to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Seloxium Limited, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like Seloxium Limited and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chemist in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Seloxium Limited. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Seloxium Limited
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Seloxium Limited and the Development Chemist role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
