Analytical Chemist in Wantage

Reporting to the Packaging Sciences Team Lead, you will be a key member of the Packaging Sciences team, providing analytical chemistry expertise to support Sonoco's products, manufacturing operations, suppliers and customers.

You will play an important role in investigating technical challenges, generating high-quality analytical data, and delivering clear recommendations that support business decisions, problem solving and customer satisfaction.

Working closely with internal stakeholders, customers and suppliers, you will lead and contribute to investigations, interpret complex technical information, and help develop the analytical capabilities of the R&D function.

In this role, you will

• Provide analytical chemistry expertise and technical support across the business, delivering clear conclusions and recommendations through reports and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead and coordinate investigations to support manufacturing sites, customers and R&D teams in resolving technical issues and complaints.
• Develop and improve analytical methods and processes to enhance Sonoco's testing capabilities and problem-solving expertise.
• Conduct investigations relating to, food and water analysis, quality and process support for manufacturing sites, contaminant and foreign body identification, food contact regulatory compliance, taint and odour assessments, as well as other analytical chemistry projects using in-house or external laboratory resources.
• Generate accurate, reliable and traceable analytical data using a range of laboratory techniques.
• Interpret technical results and produce timely reports with clear findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment to ensure it remains calibrated, serviced and fit for purpose.
• Support laboratory housekeeping, quality standards and continuous improvement activities.
• Share knowledge and provide technical guidance, training and support to colleagues and apprentices.
• Manage sample workflows and laboratory records, ensuring full traceability and compliance with internal procedures.
• Undertake additional responsibilities aligned to the scope and level of the role.

Skills Required Essential

• BSc in Chemistry or equivalent
• Experience of working with IC and ICP-OES
• Previous experience of working in an analytical chemistry laboratory or food chemistry lab
• General Laboratory Skills – wet chemistry, volumetric standards, chemical selection / disposal
• Competent computing skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Good written and verbal communication skills (including the ability to present scientific data)
• Ability to balance workload with on-the-job training
• Commitment to safe-working requirements
• Ability to work in a team
• Self-motivated, reliable candidate with good time management skills
• Autonomous and investigative approach

Desirable

• Higher degree with analytical chemistry focus or an allied subject
• Previous experience in a contract laboratory
• Experience of working with GCMS, DSC, FTIR
• Experience working in food packaging, food production or protective metal coatings
• Previous experience of mentoring junior lab members
• Other European language skills

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global leader in value-added, sustainable metal and fiber consumer and industrial packaging.

The Company is now a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with approximately 22,500 employees working in 270 operations in 40 countries, serving some of the world’s best-known brands.

Guided by our purpose of Better Packaging.

Better Life., we strive to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence to provide solutions that better serve all our stakeholders and support a more sustainable future.

Sonoco was proudly named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek.

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