At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative analytical methods in a hands-on lab environment.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leader in sustainable polymers with a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while advancing your career in chemistry.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years lab experience with strong skills in GC or HPLC required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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. 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.
Hands-on, fully laboratory-based role where you will be actively designing, developing, and validating analytical methods to support innovation, quality, and regulatory compliance at Synthomer. We are specifically seeking candidates who are currently working in a lab-based role, developing analytical test methods, and who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time. You’ll work closely with Innovation, Technical, and Application teams to deliver robust, harmonised analytical methodologies across the organisation. Important: This is an on-site role based in Harlow, requiring 5 days per week in the laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, optimise, and validate analytical test methods for innovation and routine analysis
- Apply existing hands-on experience to create and implement new methodologies independently
- Provide analytical support globally and collaborate cross-functionally
- Ensure compliance with ISO standards and robust validation protocols
- Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges and deliver clear, data-driven insights
- Maintain, calibrate, and optimise laboratory instrumentation including: GC / GC-MS (essential), HPLC / LC-MS, FTIR
- Train colleagues on newly developed methods and best practices
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean Enterprise techniques
- Maintain high laboratory safety standards and adhere to SHE requirements
What You’ll Bring
Essential (Non-Negotiable Requirements)
- Current laboratory-based role with hands-on analytical work
- Proven experience developing analytical test methods (not just running established methods)
- Strong practical experience with Gas or Liquid Chromatography (GC or HPLC) — essential
- 2–3 years’ experience in a similar analytical or testing environment
- Ability to independently develop, validate, and troubleshoot methods
- BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field
We are looking for someone who can contribute immediately, not a purely academic or theoretical profile.
Additional Technical Experience (Preferred)
- GC-MS / LC-MS
- Polymer characterisation techniques
- Rheometry
- FT-IR
- GPC (including viscometry, RI, and light scattering detectors)
- Advanced sample preparation (SPME, thermal desorption, micro chamber)
Desirable
- Experience working within an ISO 17025 environment
- Understanding of polymer structure–property relationships
- Experience applying DoE or Lean methodologies
Location & Working Pattern
- Based at Synthomer’s Harlow (UK) site
- 100% laboratory-based role
- On-site 5 days per week (non-hybrid)
- Candidates must be within a commutable distance
Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is supported to contribute their best.
Summary (for clarity in shortlisting)
- Is currently in a lab every day
- Develops analytical methods as part of their role
- Has hands-on GC or HPLC experience
- Has 2–3 years’ relevant industry testing experience
- Can step into the lab and start delivering quickly
Global Benefits Overview
- 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 programmes, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- Wellbeing support – employee assistance programme (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
Method Development Chemist in Harlow employer: Synthomer
At Synthomer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Harlow where innovation meets sustainability. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive learning and development opportunities, alongside a culture that values diversity and inclusion. With competitive compensation, a discretionary bonus scheme, and a focus on wellbeing, we empower our Method Development Chemists to thrive while contributing to meaningful advancements in high-performance polymers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Method Development Chemist in Harlow
✨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 Synthomer. 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 Synthomer 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 Synthomer, 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 Synthomer 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 Method Development Chemist in Harlow
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 Synthomer. 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 Synthomer
✨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 Synthomer and the Method 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!
