At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop analytical methods in a hands-on lab environment.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leader in high-performance polymers with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global bonus scheme, healthcare, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovation and contribute to meaningful global projects.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years lab experience with GC or HPLC and method development skills.
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 – 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.
This is a 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.
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
Why Join Synthomer?
At Synthomer, you’ll join a collaborative scientific team where your work directly impacts innovation and real-world applications. You’ll have the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise while contributing to meaningful global projects.
Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is supported to contribute their best.
Summary (for clarity in shortlisting)
- This role is ideal for someone who:
- 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 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
Method Development Chemist employer: Synthomer
At Synthomer, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions directly impact global projects in high-performance polymers. Located in Harlow, our fully laboratory-based role provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, alongside competitive benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every employee can thrive and grow in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Method Development Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Synthomer, understand their products, and think about how your skills in developing analytical methods can contribute to their innovation goals. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your experience with GC and HPLC confidently. We believe that being well-prepared can make all the difference when it comes to landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression. We’re all about making connections that count!
We think you need these skills to ace Method Development Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Method Development Chemist role. Highlight your hands-on experience with analytical methods and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background in lab work makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with GC or HPLC – we love that stuff!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just listing duties. Did you develop a new method that improved efficiency? Share those wins! We’re all about innovation and results here at Synthomer.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Synthomer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Synthomer
✨Know Your Methods
Make sure you can discuss the analytical methods you've developed in detail. Be ready to explain your thought process behind designing and validating these methods, especially with GC and HPLC. This shows you’re not just familiar with the equipment but can also innovate.
✨Showcase Your Troubleshooting Skills
Prepare examples of complex analytical challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Synthomer values problem solvers, so demonstrating your ability to troubleshoot effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand the Company’s Focus
Familiarise yourself with Synthomer's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with their goals, particularly in developing new products that contribute to a low-carbon economy.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect hands-on questions or scenarios during the interview. They might ask you to outline how you would approach a specific analytical challenge or method development task. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
