Process Development Chemist

Process Development Chemist - Renewables / Biofuels - Scotland - Permanent

Our client is a leading force in renewable energy across the UK. At present, they are seeking a Process Development Chemist on a permanent basis at their site in Ayrshire, Scotland. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Process Development Chemist to support the scale up and delivery of major projects.

Responsibilities:
To use expert knowledge to chemistry and related fields to devise, plan and execute research programmes with the overall aim of making operations more efficient and/or reduce operational impacts. The Process Development Chemist will conduct and report on laboratory, Midi Plant and Full-Scale Plant trials.

Key Duties
Laboratory Experiments

• Develop and document experimental plans for improving performance in anaerobic digestion and associated activities.
  
• Operate lab scale anaerobic digestion test facilities (AMPTS and Continuous Reactors) for the measurement of biogas potential, digestate quality for various feedstocks under different operating conditions.
  Midi and Plant Trials
  
• Assist in Midi and Plant Trials as required.
  
• Implementation of process improvement trials across the operational sites.
  
• Prepare Management of Change, Risk and COSHH assessments for Midi and Plant Trials as required
  
• Contribute to safe working environment by complying with written procedures e.g. risk and COSHH assessments.
  
• Development methods and procedures for trials at Midi and across operational sites, which will include trials of new technologies.
  
• Optimisation of existing site processes following successful trials.
  
  Documentation:
  
• Write reports of laboratory, Midi and Plant Trials, including descriptions of test method and results, including cross-refencing to plant data or previous tests and analysing and interpreting data.
  Safety
  
• Complete training on analytical techniques, company procedures, and HSE as tasked.
  
• Work in accordance with SOP’s, COSHH and risk assessments and keep working areas clean
  
  Other:
  
• Fully participate in innovation process by presenting improvements/innovations at scheduled meetings.
  
• Carry out experimental work at other company locations from time-to-time where on site investigations are required.
  
• Where required; collect, prepare and perform chemical analysis of effluent, process liquors, feedstock, sea water, carbon dioxide and biogas samples according to standard operating procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessment
  
• Analyse samples using advanced instrumental techniques including GC - MS, ICP, and Elemental Analyser.
  
• Perform analysis using basic techniques including colourimetric techniques, gravimetric, titrations etc.
  
• Complete training as tasked on analytical techniques, company procedures, HSE etc.
  
  Experience & Qualifications:
  Strong Laboratory work background.
  Ability to collate data and produce meaningful & concise reports from data
  Strong IT skills particularly Excel & use of ERP system or databases.
  Ability to manage own time and prioritise workload accordingly
  Ability to present complex scientific information to a non-scientific work group
  Some experience of training non-scientific colleagues to understand data and reason for treatment of same.
  Able to challenge established norms with a professional and fact driven approach
  Ability to work independently.
  First Degree in Biology, Chemistry; Biochemistry; Microbiology or similar.
  Desirable: Masters in similar subject area