Key Selection Recruitment Limited

Position: Materials Scientist/ Chemist Location: Derbyshire Salary: £35k-£45k Company/ Sector: Chemicals/ Polymers The Role: • To complete allocated product development tasks and projects to agreed timetable, standards and budgets, recording all events and data within the Project System. • To ensure that the R&D laboratory functions effectively, meeting standards in respect of quality, health & safety and hygiene and that equipment is well maintained. • To keep accurate and comprehensive records of all testing and research activities. • To work to a weekly laboratory work plan for the product portfolio. • To support Production with the transfer of a new product or a modified existing product from laboratory to production, investigating and resolving any areas of concern. • To liaise with the Quality Manager about quality issues including specifications, production issues, non-conformances and any other QC matters on the associated product portfolio. • To support the Senior Product Development Chemists and Quality Manager with the investigation of customer and supplier complaints. To help establish root causes and corrective action. • To create and maintenance of associated PMC, PMF, PMI, BPF and BPI on the Company s ERP software on matters of BOM, release criteria and attachments (COSHH and batch cards) for the associated product portfolio. • To gather, compile and interpret data in order to contribute to project reports. To provide data and work activity updates for the Technical Manager s monthly report. • To liaise with customers and suppliers in relation to the product portfolio and represent the Company at meetings as required, striving to maintain the company s competitive position and reputation for technical performance and quality. • To liaise with all departments across the company about the product portfolio including sales, product engineering, production and quality. • To ensure laboratory activity is within the Company Quality, H&S and Environmental policies. • To keep up to date with changes in legislation, market trends and developments within their polymer market sectors, continuously seeking new potential opportunities and ideas. • To develop own knowledge, experience and observations in order to contribute and make recommendations. To support and uphold the values of continuous improvement methods and activities. • To develop an excellent understanding of the product range, its formulation and commercial applications. • To work as a team within the R&D team providing cover and support to each other. Requirements: • Good general education to at least GCSE level including English and Maths • Education to Degree level or above in chemistry (or equivalent) • 2 + years experience within the industry • 2 component polymer chemistry experience desirable • Knowledge of either plastic packaging, films, thermoplastic, material science, polymers or adhesives • Experience of working in a commercial laboratory including a range of testing techniques. • An interest in product development and project management. • IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and use of databases • Accurate, thorough and methodical approach to research • Organised self-starter with good problem-solving ability • Curiosity and a desire to learn and develop continuously. • Good analysis, documentation and report writing skills • Adaptable and flexible, a team player with a can do attitude