Msc in Chemistry jobs

About the Role

The Analytical Chemist will work as part of the multidisciplinary R&D team at the IKON Innovation Centre, providing analytical expertise to support the development, characterisation and investigation of new and existing materials and products.

The role will involve the analysis of a broad range of organic, inorganic, polymeric and composite materials, with a strong focus on instrumental analysis, analytical method development, problem-solving and interpretation of analytical data.

The successful candidate will have 3–5 years' relevant laboratory experience and will be capable of independently planning and carrying out analytical investigations, developing and optimising analytical methods, troubleshooting instrumentation and communicating findings clearly to technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

Analytical Testing and Characterisation

• Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of raw materials, formulations, finished products, competitor materials and R&D samples.
• Characterise materials using a range of instrumental analytical techniques.
• Interpret analytical data and translate results into clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Investigate material composition, contamination, degradation, product failures and formulation differences.
• Compare materials and formulations to identify chemical and physical differences.
• Provide analytical testing and technical support to R&D teams and other departments and divisions across the business.

Analytical Method Development

• Develop, optimise and validate analytical methods to support R&D projects and wider business requirements.
• Adapt existing analytical methods for new materials, products and applications.
• Evaluate the suitability, repeatability and robustness of analytical methods.
• Develop methods for newly commissioned analytical equipment.
• Investigate and troubleshoot analytical methods where unexpected or inconsistent results are obtained.
• Maintain clear documentation relating to analytical method development and implementation.

Analytical Instrumentation

• Operate a range of analytical laboratory instrumentation, which includes:
• GC and GC-MS
• HPLC
• FTIR spectroscopy
• TGA / STA
• Karl Fischer moisture analysis
• Microscopy
• Other thermal, fire, chemical and physical characterisation techniques
• Support the commissioning and implementation of new analytical equipment.
• Troubleshoot instrument and method-related issues.
• Ensure equipment calibration, verification and maintenance activities are completed and appropriately documented.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for analytical equipment and methods.
• Support training of laboratory personnel in analytical methods and instrumentation where required.

R&D and Technical Support

• Work closely with chemists, scientists and engineers to understand project requirements and recommend appropriate analytical approaches.
• Provide analytical support to material and product development projects.
• Contribute to technical investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Evaluate analytical results alongside formulation, processing and material performance information.
• Manage analytical work across multiple projects and priorities.
• Provide scientifically sound recommendations based on analytical findings.

Data Analysis, Reporting and Communication

• Critically review and interpret experimental and analytical data.
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports detailing analytical methods, results, interpretation and conclusions.
• Present analytical results and recommendations at project and technical meetings.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, raw data and supporting documentation.
• Ensure appropriate traceability of samples, methods and analytical results.

Health, Safety, Quality and Compliance

• Work safely and responsibly in accordance with laboratory Health & Safety requirements.
• Prepare, review and follow relevant SOPs and risk assessments.
• Ensure laboratory work and documentation meet applicable quality requirements.
• Support laboratory continuous improvement activities.
• Follow relevant ISO, EN and ASTM analytical or testing standards where applicable.
• Support compliance with ISO 9001& ISO 37301 requirements.
• Maintain laboratory work areas and analytical equipment to a high standard.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• BSc/MSc in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline.
• 3–5 years' relevant experience working within an analytical or instrumental laboratory environment.
• Practical experience with a range of instrumental analytical techniques – specifically GC, GC-MS, HPLC and TGA/STA
• Experience in quantitative analytical method development and validation.
• Strong analytical data interpretation and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience troubleshooting analytical methods and/or instrumentation.
• Excellent laboratory record-keeping and technical reporting skills.
• Ability to plan and manage analytical work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple activities and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good understanding of laboratory Health & Safety requirements.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar laboratory quality systems.
• Full clean Driving licence IRL/UK/EU

Desirable

• Experience with fire performance analysis, thermal analysis and/or spectroscopy.
• Experience working with polymers, polyurethane/PIR foams, adhesives, coatings or composite materials.
• Experience with material characterisation, failure analysis and comparative analysis.
• Experience working within an industrial R&D environment.
• Experience commissioning or introducing new analytical instrumentation.

Key Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• A methodical and scientifically rigorous approach to laboratory work.
• Strong problem-solving and investigative ability.
• Ability to take ownership of an analytical investigation from initial problem through to final interpretation and reporting.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex analytical information clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn and implement new analytical techniques.
• Flexibility and ability to respond to changing R&D and business priorities.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Benefits

The role offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary R&D environment, developing experience across a broad range of materials, analytical technologies and projects.

The benefits section could include the following, subject to confirmation against the current company package:

• Competitive salary
• Company pension scheme
• Annual leave entitlement
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Access to a broad range of modern analytical instrumentation
• Opportunity to work on innovative R&D and material development projects
• Exposure to projects across different businesses and material technologies
• Career development opportunities within a global organisation

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person