At a Glance
- Tasks: Support scale-up of chemical processes and troubleshoot production challenges.
- Company: Join a leading chemical manufacturing company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the chemical industry while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in organic chemistry and process development is essential.
My client is looking for an experienced Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their production team. Previous experience working with large-scale reactors is highly desirable for this role. If you don't meet every requirement I strongly recommend you still apply - especially if you meet several of the Advanced Experience targets.
Responsibilities
- Support the scale-up of research and development projects from laboratory concepts through to full production manufacturing
- Operate distillation equipment and support small-scale fine chemical manufacturing activities
- Provide technical troubleshooting and problem-solving support to Operations, Quality Control, and Research teams
- Maintain accurate technical documentation and ensure compliance with quality systems, SOPs, and operational procedures
- Record and manage production and development data within ERP and associated systems
- Maintain safe working practices when handling hazardous chemicals and process equipment
- Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support operational and development objectives
Equipment experience desired
- Distillation Units
- Pilot-Scale and Production-Scale Reactors
- Gas Chromatography (GC)
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Karl Fischer (KF)
Skills
- Process development and scale-up
- Distillation
- Technical troubleshooting and problem solving
- Strong understanding of chemical process safety
- Ability to work effectively in a busy manufacturing environment
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- High attention to detail and documentation standards
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
- Ability to work flexibly under changing priorities and deliver results in a timely manner
Demonstrated Experience
- Successfully supported the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory or pilot scale into manufacturing environments
- Operated distillation units and process equipment safely and effectively within a chemical production setting
- Worked with hazardous chemicals while maintaining high safety and compliance standards
- Contributed to the manufacture, optimisation, or development of fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, or related products
- Organometallic chemistry experience would be advantageous
- Applied scientific and technical expertise to resolve production, process, or quality-related issues
- Maintained accurate technical records, batch documentation, and quality system requirements
- Worked collaboratively with different functions to achieve project and operational objectives
- Demonstrated the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a timely manner
Advanced Experience
- Led or played a significant role in process development, optimisation, or technology transfer projects that resulted in improved manufacturing performance
- Demonstrated expertise in organic chemistry within industrial manufacturing environments
- Experience operating or scaling processes using production-scale reactors (typically 5L+ and above)
- Resolved complex process, yield, quality, or operational issues through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Contributed to the safe introduction of new processes, products, or manufacturing technologies into production
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives that improved efficiency, quality, throughput, or process robustness
- Operated within fine chemical, speciality chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments and demonstrated an understanding of the associated technical and regulatory challenges
- Applied analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations to support process development, manufacturing, or troubleshooting activities
- Provided technical leadership, mentoring, or specialist expertise to colleagues and cross-functional teams
- Holds a PhD, MChem, or equivalent advanced background in Chemistry, with demonstrated application of organic chemistry principles in an industrial setting
Process Chemist employer: Smart4Sciences
Smart4Sciences is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in Wales, the company provides comprehensive training and a competitive salary range of £30,000 - £35,000, making it an ideal place for those looking to develop their skills in aerospace materials testing while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Chemist
✨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 Smart4Sciences. 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 Smart4Sciences 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 Smart4Sciences, 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 Smart4Sciences 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 Process Chemist
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 Smart4Sciences. 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 Smart4Sciences
✨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 Smart4Sciences and the Process 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!
