At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop and optimise organic chemical processes.
- Company: A growing speciality chemical manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience and build a career in process development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Work alongside experienced chemists and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry and 2-3 years of relevant industrial experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Talent STEM are partnering with a growing speciality chemical manufacturer supplying high-quality products into a range of industrial markets. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an Organic Process Development Chemist to join their technical team. This is an excellent opportunity for an Organic Chemist with around 2–3 years' industrial experience who is looking to develop their career within process development and chemical manufacturing.
The Opportunity
Working across the laboratory and pilot plant, you'll support the development, optimisation and scale-up of organic chemical processes, helping to transfer laboratory processes into manufacturing. This is a varied, hands-on role where you'll be involved in organic synthesis, distillation, process scale-up and continuous improvement while working alongside experienced chemists and production teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out organic synthesis and process development activities from laboratory scale through to pilot-scale manufacture (approximately 0.5 kg to 20 kg)
- Perform laboratory and pilot-scale distillations to support process development and manufacturing
- Apply purification techniques including crystallisation, separations and product isolation
- Support the scale-up of chemical processes into manufacturing operations
- Assist with process optimisation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement projects
- Carry out occasional analytical testing using HPLC, GC, FTIR and Karl Fischer where required to support development activities
- Accurately record experimental work, process data and technical documentation
- Work safely with hazardous chemicals in accordance with COSHH and site HSE procedures
- Collaborate with production, quality and technical teams to ensure successful process transfer and manufacturing performance
About You
We're looking for a practical, enthusiastic Organic Chemist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and wants to build a career in process development within the chemical manufacturing industry. You'll ideally have:
- A degree in Chemistry, ideally specialising in Organic Chemistry
- Around 2–3 years' industrial experience following graduation
- Experience of organic synthesis within a chemical manufacturing, process development or pilot plant environment
- Practical scale-up experience, ideally from approximately 0.5 kg to 20 kg
- Hands-on distillation experience (essential)
- Experience of purification techniques including crystallisation and product isolation
- A working knowledge of analytical techniques such as HPLC and GC (routine analytical testing is not a core part of the role)
- A methodical approach with excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing chemical manufacturer where you'll gain exposure to the full process development lifecycle, from laboratory-scale chemistry through to pilot plant and manufacturing. You'll work alongside experienced technical professionals on a wide variety of organic chemistry projects, developing your expertise in scale-up, process optimisation and manufacturing support while building a long-term career within the speciality chemicals industry.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Talent STEM directly.
Important: Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and applications requiring sponsorship now or in the future cannot be considered.
Talent STEM is a specialist recruitment consultancy supporting the scientific, engineering, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental, medical device and FMCG sectors.
Organic Process Development Chemist | Scale-Up | Distillation employer: Talent STEM Ltd
Talent STEM Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where innovation meets quality. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides ongoing training and clear career progression opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role as a Colour Quality Lab Technician. The collaborative culture fosters creativity and excellence, making it a rewarding place to contribute to maintaining high standards in product integrity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organic Process Development Chemist | Scale-Up | Distillation
✨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 Talent STEM Ltd. 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 Talent STEM Ltd 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 Talent STEM Ltd, 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 Talent STEM Ltd 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 Organic Process Development Chemist | Scale-Up | Distillation
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 Talent STEM Ltd. 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 Talent STEM Ltd
✨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 Talent STEM Ltd and the Organic Process Development Chemist | Scale-Up | Distillation 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!
