Development Chemist

Reporting to the Development Lead, this position plays a key role in supporting newly established operations and driving continuous improvement across existing products and processes. You will take an active role in chemical development activities, applying strong technical knowledge to translate laboratory concepts into reliable, production‑scale manufacturing solutions, supported by comprehensive and accurate documentation.

Core Responsibilities

• Process Development & Scale‑Up
  Contribute to development programmes that support R&D by progressing laboratory‑scale chemistry into robust, full‑scale manufacturing processes.
• Manufacturing & Distillation Operations
  Carry out distillation activities and small‑batch manufacture of fine chemicals, while assisting the Development Lead with the daily running of the distillation facility.
• Operational Problem Solving
  Act as a technical resource for Operations, Quality Control, and Research teams, supporting investigations and resolving process or quality challenges to maintain smooth operations.
• Quality Systems & Documentation
  Work in full alignment with company QC systems, procedures, SOPs, and work instructions. Review technical documentation thoroughly and ensure accurate data entry and record‑keeping within the ERP system.
• Health, Safety & Laboratory Standards
  Uphold high standards of safety within the Process Laboratory, complying fully with company H&S policies to protect both individual and team wellbeing.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  Engage closely with Production, QC, and R&D teams, developing effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, and auditors to ensure projects are delivered to agreed timelines.
• Skills, Knowledge & Experience
• Education & Background
  Degree qualified in Chemistry (Organic Chemistry preferred), or demonstrable equivalent experience gained within an industrial environment.
• Technical Capability
  Proven practical experience operating distillation equipment and carrying out small‑scale fine chemical manufacturing.
• Communication Skills
  Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and explain technical information.
• IT Proficiency
  Confident user of Office 365 applications, with particular strength in Excel and Word.
• Chemical Safety Awareness
  Sound understanding of chemical hazards and safe handling practices within a manufacturing or laboratory setting.

Personal Competencies

• Organisation & Prioritisation
  Able to manage competing priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines while adapting to evolving business needs.
• Team Contribution
  Self‑driven and dependable, with a collaborative mindset and the interpersonal skills required to thrive in a small, fast‑moving team.
• Professional Discretion
  Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly.

Desirable Experience

• Previous roles within fine chemicals or pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Working knowledge of analytical techniques including GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer, and titrations
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting issues in a fine chemical production environment

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary with company bonus scheme
• 7% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Supportive, collaborative working environment
• Free on‑site parking