Organic Process Development Chemist | Scale-Up | Distillation

Talent STEM are partnering with a growing speciality chemical manufacturer supplying high-quality products into a range of industrial markets. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an Organic Process Development Chemist to join their technical team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Organic Chemist with around 2–3 years' industrial experience who is looking to develop their career within process development and chemical manufacturing.

The Opportunity

Working across the laboratory and pilot plant, you'll support the development, optimisation and scale-up of organic chemical processes, helping to transfer laboratory processes into manufacturing.

This is a varied, hands-on role where you'll be involved in organic synthesis, distillation, process scale-up and continuous improvement while working alongside experienced chemists and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

- Carry out organic synthesis and process development activities from laboratory scale through to pilot-scale manufacture (approximately 0.5 kg to 20 kg)

- Perform laboratory and pilot-scale distillations to support process development and manufacturing

- Apply purification techniques including crystallisation, separations and product isolation

- Support the scale-up of chemical processes into manufacturing operations

- Assist with process optimisation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement projects

- Carry out occasional analytical testing using HPLC, GC, FTIR and Karl Fischer where required to support development activities

- Accurately record experimental work, process data and technical documentation

- Work safely with hazardous chemicals in accordance with COSHH and site HSE procedures

- Collaborate with production, quality and technical teams to ensure successful process transfer and manufacturing performance

About You

We're looking for a practical, enthusiastic Organic Chemist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and wants to build a career in process development within the chemical manufacturing industry.

You'll ideally have:

- A degree in Chemistry, ideally specialising in Organic Chemistry

- Around 2–3 years' industrial experience following graduation

- Experience of organic synthesis within a chemical manufacturing, process development or pilot plant environment

- Practical scale-up experience, ideally from approximately 0.5 kg to 20 kg

- Hands-on distillation experience (essential)

- Experience of purification techniques including crystallisation and product isolation

- A working knowledge of analytical techniques such as HPLC and GC (routine analytical testing is not a core part of the role)

- A methodical approach with excellent attention to detail

- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing chemical manufacturer where you'll gain exposure to the full process development lifecycle, from laboratory-scale chemistry through to pilot plant and manufacturing.

You'll work alongside experienced technical professionals on a wide variety of organic chemistry projects, developing your expertise in scale-up, process optimisation and manufacturing support while building a long-term career within the speciality chemicals industry.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Talent STEM directly.

Important: Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and applications requiring sponsorship now or in the future cannot be considered.

Talent STEM is a specialist recruitment consultancy supporting the scientific, engineering, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental, medical device and FMCG sectors.