At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and improve chemical formulations while testing and launching innovative products.
- Company: Join a dynamic FMCG company in Oxfordshire with a focus on cleaning and hygiene.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to the full product lifecycle.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth and skill development in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with real-world projects and support from experienced chemists.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; some lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you a recent chemistry graduate or early-career formulator looking to build hands-on experience in product development? We’re looking for a Development Chemist to join a technical team working on real-world chemical products used in the cleaning and hygiene sector. This role offers excellent exposure to formulation, testing, scale-up, and product launch, working closely with experienced chemists and cross-functional teams.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Developing and improving chemical formulations in the lab.
- Carrying out product testing, stability trials, and performance assessments.
- Supporting new product launches, including technical documentation and QC standards.
- Assisting with scale-up from lab to production.
- Comparing products against competitors to improve performance and value.
- Working with suppliers, production, quality, and regulatory teams.
- Helping investigate and resolve batch or quality issues.
- Supporting technical enquiries and occasional field trials.
What We’re Looking For
- A degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- Some formulation or laboratory experience (industrial placement, graduate role, or similar).
- Strong attention to detail and good record-keeping skills.
- A proactive mindset with a willingness to learn and take ownership.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Confidence working in a lab environment and managing multiple tasks.
Nice to Have (But Not Essential)
- Knowledge of cleaning, household, or industrial chemical products.
- Awareness of chemical regulations (e.g. REACH, CLP).
- Experience with concentrated formulations or scale-up.
- Customer-facing or presentation experience.
Why Join?
- Hands-on development experience with commercial products.
- Mentoring and support from experienced chemists.
- Exposure to the full product lifecycle — from lab to launch.
- A great opportunity to build skills and confidence early in your career.
Development Chemist employer: Smart4 Sciences
Join a dynamic team in Oxfordshire where you can kickstart your career as a Development Chemist in the FMCG sector. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises hands-on experience and professional growth, offering mentorship from seasoned chemists and exposure to the entire product lifecycle. With a focus on innovation and quality, we provide a supportive environment that encourages learning and development, making it an excellent place for recent graduates to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni or join chemistry-related groups on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on a Development Chemist role or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you can, volunteer for projects or internships that let you work with formulations or product testing. This experience will make you stand out when applying for roles in the FMCG sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your lab experiences. We want to see your passion for chemistry and how you can contribute to our team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Chemistry Skills:Make sure to highlight your degree in Chemistry and any relevant lab experience you've got. We want to see how your background fits with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When you talk about your formulation or laboratory experience, be specific! Mention any projects or tasks you’ve worked on that relate to product development. This helps us see your hands-on skills in action.
Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset:We love candidates who take initiative! In your application, share examples of how you've taken ownership of projects or solved problems in the lab. It shows us you're ready to jump in and contribute.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smart4 Sciences
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your chemistry knowledge, especially related to formulation and product development. Be ready to discuss your academic projects or any relevant experience you have, as this will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Lab Experience
If you've had any hands-on lab experience, whether through internships or university projects, make sure to highlight it. Talk about specific techniques you've used or challenges you've overcome in the lab to demonstrate your practical skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about chemical regulations and product testing. Familiarise yourself with terms like REACH and CLP, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach stability trials or performance assessments in a real-world scenario.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, so be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others, resolved conflicts, or contributed to group projects to show you're a great fit for their team.
