Due to expansion, our client is looking for a Development Chemist to support the business. The position would suit a graduate chemist or someone with 1-2 years laboratory experience. Our client is responsible for the design, product development and manufacturing supply chain management of flooring products to a major global customer.

As a Development Chemist you would be required to support the development of the next generation of new products and making improvements to existing products. It will carry day to day responsibility for testing within the lab and for commissioning testing either by external laboratories or by our Clients customers. A key part of the work would be general investigation in support of new ideas. It would support initiatives of the Managing Director, Chief Design Director and Head of Technical. As a member of a small team, considerable flexibility in approach will be essential, as will the ability to handle multiple tasks and willingness to do any task that is allocated.

Duties and Key Responsibilities of a Development Chemist:

• To take full hands-on responsibility for the agreed in-house product testing within the laboratory.
• To coordinate external testing including physical, installation and analytical testing.
• To support the development of new products in accordance with project briefs and agreed timelines, as well as adhoc requests.
• To report on the performance of new products including the monitoring of test installations.
• To run small scale development projects when required in accordance with procedure.
• To ensure that all UK technical tasks within the NPI task tracker are completed in a timely fashion and to a high standard.
• To undertake technical investigations into product failures and to work with suppliers to improve products.
• Identify opportunities for and deliver incremental improvements in products.
• Collaborate with customers, Design team and the manufacturing team to ensure smooth NPD process.
• To identify opportunities to improve existing products and reduce costs.
• Provide a link to analytical support for the Quality team.
• Feed ideas into NPD development plans for commercially viable ideas for new products.
• Contribute to the proposed NPD handover packs for new products.
• To produce a monthly summary report of progress.
• To be aware of Global product standards/regulations/environmental requirements relevant to flooring.
• Keep up to date with all activities within technical department.

Experience

• Understanding and knowledge of PVC and polymer technology would be highly beneficial.
• Understanding of flooring/construction products/adhesives would be beneficial.
• Degree qualified in chemistry/polymer science/polymer technology/materials science/materials technology/plastics/rubber/physical sciences.

In return our client is offering a salary up to £30,000 and excellent career potential for the right candidate.

Whitehall is the Recruitment Specialist for the Chemical, Polymer, Coatings and Life Science based Industries.