Applications & Development Chemist – Industrial

We are seeking an Applications & Development Chemist to join our innovative team. In this role, you will lead the development and characterization of specialized formulations for various industrial applications, including construction (gypsum and mortar additives), coatings, pigments, adhesives, and more.

As an Applications & Development Chemist, your main responsibility will be to connect the specific purpose of the formulation (performance) to the chemistries (structure) that are currently available or need to be synthesized. You will develop the chemistries into effective, easy-to-deliver formulations that meet performance and stability targets as dictated by the specific application. This is a lab-based role that sits within the Industrial team. You will work closely with and be a key contact between application testing, business managers, and the commercial team.

This position will report to the Industrial Technical Manager located at the Ellesmere Port R&D site and will be part of the Global Industrial and Mining Technical team.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge of Innospec industrial additive products and to be able to provide structure-performance relationships in the chemistries used in these applications.
• Based on this knowledge, create novel chemistries and/or formulations that matches or exceeds currently used products in this industry.
• Progress the development of products through proper stages of project management – from inception to commercialization.
• Assist in the testing of these new products in lab environment using standard equipment to include performance and stability assessment.
• Able to discuss these new products and application testing results with the technical and commercial teams.
• Collaborate with application testing and external testing facilities to evaluate products.
• Manage both internal and customer projects within the agreed timelines.
• Produce samples on Laboratory scale.
• Maintain accurate records of lab activities, issue detailed technical reports in a reasonable time frame and, when required, prepare effective PowerPoint presentations to present internal projects to the technical and business teams.
• Perform a thorough review of the existing patent literature to ensure the new formulations could be brought to market without any legal complications.
• When appropriate, contribution includes drafting patent applications to protect new product developments and new technologies.
• Adhere to company SHE standards relevant to the R&D function to ensure a safe working environment.
• Limited travel to customers and conferences, depending on the business needs.

Requirements

• University Degree in chemistry.
• At least 2 years of applications or formulation experience in an industrial laboratory or R&D based role.
• Understanding of surfactant and their applications in plasterboard, dry-mix formulations, paints & coatings and other industrial applications. Existing experience in construction additives & coatings is a plus.
• Familiarity of basic analytical chemistry techniques.
• Knowledge of IT applications such as Microsoft Office.
• Creative, logical, and analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
• A team player, with the ability to work well both independently and as part of a wider cross-functional Global team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

About Innospec

Innospec is a global specialty chemicals company focused on bringing innovative new technologies to market combined with a fast and responsive service. We serve a range of industries across the world, bringing our products to customers in markets from oilfields, fuels, refineries and power stations to personal care and performance chemicals.

Our global team of approximately 2,000 employees spans 24 countries, applying their extensive experience and market understanding to customers’ local needs. Integrating our global footprint with local service capability enables us to supply quality products that meet and anticipate changing market dynamics.

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary alongside the following benefits:

• Up to 10% employee, and 15% employer pension contributions
• Annual bonus of up to 30% of basic salary
• 6x death in service
• Private medical insurance
• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 28 days after 2-, 4- and 5-years’ service)
• Sharesave scheme
• Hybrid working (40% of the week can be worked from home).