At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and optimisation of chemical processes from lab to industrial scale.
- Company: Join Vateris, a dynamic company at the forefront of chemistry innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to transition from academia to impactful industrial roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex chemistry problems and scaling innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry or related field with 5+ years of industrial experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Location
Nottingham, UK
Salary
Competitive, depending on experience
Company
Vateris
The Role
We are looking for a highly capable, hands-on Development Chemist to join our technical team and help develop, optimise and scale our chemistry from laboratory development into robust industrial processes.
This is an applied industrial role for someone who enjoys solving difficult chemistry problems, optimising reactions and processes, working directly with pilot-scale equipment and using analytical data to drive process development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead chemical process development and optimisation from laboratory through TRL 5+ and pilot scale.
- Design and execute experiments to optimise reaction conditions, crystallisation, product quality, yield and process repeatability.
- Troubleshoot chemistry and process issues and perform structured root-cause analysis.
- Translate laboratory results into robust, repeatable and scalable industrial processes, defining operating windows and critical process parameters.
- Develop analytical methods, specifications, SOPs and quality-control procedures.
- Characterise materials and interpret results using techniques including FTIR, XRD, SEM/EDS, BET, TGA/DSC, calorimetry and GC-MS.
- Work closely with chemical engineers, process engineers and the wider technical team during scale-up.
- Candidate Profile
- Ph D in Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Strong academic background from a leading university or equivalent research institution.
Candidates from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Leeds and Sheffield, or comparably strong international institutions, are particularly relevant.
- 5+ years of relevant industrial experience following the Ph D.
- Experience working within a startup, scale-up, advanced materials or industrial R&D environment is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrable experience progressing technology beyond laboratory research toward TRL 5+, pilot or demonstration scale.
• Strong hands-on analytical experience with several of the following
- FTIR
- XRD
- SEM/EDS
- BET
- TGA/DSC
- Calorimetry
- GC-MS
- Strong capability in experimental design, process optimisation, troubleshooting and data interpretation.
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where priorities are driven by achieving industrial scale.
- What We Are Looking For
We are particularly interested in scientists who have moved beyond purely academic research and can demonstrate that they have developed and optimised chemistry into a reliable, repeatable and scalable industrial process.
The successful candidate should be equally comfortable designing an experiment, interpreting analytical data, troubleshooting a failed process and working alongside engineers to make the chemistry operate at larger scale.
Development Chemist in Mansfield employer: Vateris
Vateris is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the climate-tech sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact our mission to revolutionise the construction industry. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders, making every day at Vateris both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chemist in Mansfield
✨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 Vateris. 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 Vateris 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 Vateris, 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 Vateris 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 Development Chemist in Mansfield
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 Vateris. 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 Vateris
✨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 Vateris and the 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!