Advanced Method Development Chemist

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products. At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

As an Advanced Method Development Chemist, you will play a key role in designing, developing, validating, and continuously improving analytical methods that underpin innovation, quality, and regulatory compliance at Synthomer. Working closely with Innovation, Technical, and Application teams, you’ll help deliver harmonised, high‑quality analytical approaches across the organisation. We’re looking for a methodical thinker and natural problem solver —someone who enjoys investigating challenges, troubleshooting complex analytical issues, and turning data into clear, actionable insight.

• Develop, optimise, and validate analytical methods to support innovation projects, long‑term analysis, and cross‑functional alignment
• Provide global analytical methodologies and support, reporting into the Analytical Manager
• Ensure a high level of analytical rigour, adhering to ISO standards and stringent validation protocols
• Train laboratory colleagues on newly developed methods and best practice
• Bridge analytical approaches across functions, presenting findings and updates to key stakeholders
• Maintain and ensure high standards of calibration and performance for GC, GC‑MS, HPLC, LC‑MS and FTIR equipment
• Drive continuous improvement of existing methodologies using Lean Enterprise techniques
• Take shared responsibility for laboratory safety and ensure full compliance with Synthomer’s SHE directives

• BSc or MSc in Analytical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in analytical method development (ideally within polymer characterisation)
• Proven experience developing methods using GC‑MS, LC‑MS, GC and HPLC
• Strong data analysis skills with a logical, investigative approach to problem solving
• Hands‑on experience with analytical instrumentation and method validation

• Rheometry
• FT‑IR
• GPC (with viscometry, RI and light‑scattering detectors)
• Sample preparation techniques including micro chamber, SPME and thermal desorption

• Working within an ISO 17025 environment
• Understanding of polymer structure–property relationships
• Experience applying DoE or Lean Enterprise techniques to method development

This role is part of the scientific team based at Synthomer’s Harlow (UK) site. Due to the hands‑on, laboratory‑focused nature of the work, the successful candidate will be expected to work on site five days per week and be based within a reasonable commuting distance of the laboratories.

At Synthomer, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking scientific community where your expertise genuinely influences innovation and business outcomes. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities to grow your technical depth, and the chance to contribute to meaningful, real‑world applications on a global scale. At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business.

• Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• Discretionary global bonus scheme
• Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
• Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
• Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
• Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes