Polymer Chemist in Bury St Edmunds

Job description

Job Title: Process Chemist

Location: Newmarket

Industry: Chemicals / Polymers

Type: Full-time | On-site

About the Company:

Our client is a market-leading chemical manufacturer based in Newmarket, known for their innovation in polymer and materials chemistry. With a strong commitment to R&D, quality, and sustainability, they are looking to expand their technical team with a Process Chemist to support scale-up and manufacturing of new polymer products.

The Role:

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a background in chemistry or polymer science and practical experience in polymer synthesis at lab or pilot plant scale. You will be involved in the development, scale-up, and transfer of new polymer-based products from lab through to full-scale manufacturing, supporting both internal teams and external customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out laboratory synthesis and pilot plant manufacture of new polymer products.
• Operate and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment, including semi-batch processes and exothermic reaction scale-ups.
• Collaborate with QC teams to ensure robust test methods are in place and product quality is maintained through scale-up.
• Maintain clear and accurate process records and documentation.
• Work with Procurement to identify and qualify sources of new raw materials.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and regulations.
• Draft process documentation and support operator training as part of the lab-to-plant scale-up process.
• Host and liaise with external customers during trial production or site visits.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and operations teams, contributing to process improvements and quality initiatives.
• Promote waste minimisation and drive efficiency improvements in processes.
• Participate in manual handling and physical aspects of the role, including carrying and lifting various materials.
• (Optional) Operate a forklift or be willing to undertake training.

About You:

The successful candidate will have:

• A degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related discipline.
• Practical experience in organic or polymer synthesis, ideally including:
• Free radical polymerisation (solution and/or emulsion)
• Polyurethane chemistry
• Semi-batch processes
• Scale-up of exothermic reactions
• Process troubleshooting
• A solid understanding of chemical hazards, safe handling, and correct labelling of chemicals and waste.
• Awareness of confidentiality and data protection in commercial chemical development.

What’s in it for you?

• Be part of an innovative and growing chemical business.
• Gain hands-on experience in both lab and pilot plant scale chemistry.
• Work on cutting-edge polymer technologies with commercial impact.
• Clear progression path in a collaborative and technically strong team.
• 4 day working week 09.00-17.00 – with flexibility on these hours if required.
• £55k + benefits

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Bury St Edmunds

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

20-08-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English