Assistant Chemist

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