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My client is looking for an experienced Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their production team. Previous experience working with large-scale reactors is highly desirable for this role. If you don't meet every requirement I strongly recommend you still apply - especially if you meet several of the Advanced Experience targets.

Responsibilities

Support the scale-up of research and development projects from laboratory concepts through to full production manufacturingOperate distillation equipment and support small-scale fine chemical manufacturing activitiesProvide technical troubleshooting and problem-solving support to Operations, Quality Control, and Research teamsMaintain accurate technical documentation and ensure compliance with quality systems, SOPs, and operational proceduresRecord and manage production and development data within ERP and associated systemsMaintain safe working practices when handling hazardous chemicals and process equipmentCollaborate closely with Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support operational and development objectives

Equipment experience desired

Distillation UnitsPilot-Scale and Production-Scale ReactorsGas Chromatography (GC)High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)Karl Fischer (KF)

Skills

Process development and scale-upDistillationTechnical troubleshooting and problem solvingStrong understanding of chemical process safetyAbility to work effectively in a busy manufacturing environmentStrong organisational and time management skillsHigh attention to detail and documentation standardsProficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and WordAbility to work flexibly under changing priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Demonstrated Experience

Successfully supported the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory or pilot scale into manufacturing environmentsOperated distillation units and process equipment safely and effectively within a chemical production settingWorked with hazardous chemicals while maintaining high safety and compliance standardsContributed to the manufacture, optimisation, or development of fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, or related productsOrganometallic chemistry experience would be advantageousApplied scientific and technical expertise to resolve production, process, or quality-related issuesMaintained accurate technical records, batch documentation, and quality system requirementsWorked collaboratively with different functions to achieve project and operational objectivesDemonstrated the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Advanced Experience

Led or played a significant role in process development, optimisation, or technology transfer projects that resulted in improved manufacturing performanceDemonstrated expertise in organic chemistry within industrial manufacturing environmentsExperience operating or scaling processes using production-scale reactors (typically 5L+ and above)Resolved complex process, yield, quality, or operational issues through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysisContributed to the safe introduction of new processes, products, or manufacturing technologies into productionSupported continuous improvement initiatives that improved efficiency, quality, throughput, or process robustnessOperated within fine chemical, speciality chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments and demonstrated an understanding of the associated technical and regulatory challengesApplied analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations to support process development, manufacturing, or troubleshooting activitiesProvided technical leadership, mentoring, or specialist expertise to colleagues and cross-functional teamsHolds a PhD, MChem, or equivalent advanced background in Chemistry, with demonstrated application of organic chemistry principles in an industrial setting

Smart4Sciences is supporting a leading manufacturing organisation in recruiting a QC Analyst to join their Quality Control team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work within a laboratory environment, carrying out quality control testing to ensure raw materials and finished products meet both company and customer specifications.

The RolePerform quality control testing of raw materials, finished goods, and other samples as requiredPrepare and analyse samples in accordance with established laboratory proceduresSupport the Quality Manager and Quality Control Manager with routine and ad hoc testing activitiesFollow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), health and safety regulations, and maintain laboratory housekeeping standardsEnsure the correct storage and disposal of retained production and laboratory samplesValidate laboratory instruments in line with company proceduresManage laboratory consumables and solvent stock, carrying out regular stock checks and arranging replenishment where requiredIssue Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) and maintain accurate laboratory records and filing systemsSupport Production, Customer Service, Technical Service, Purchasing, R&D, and Commercial teams through timely and accurate testingIdentify and implement process improvements to enhance laboratory performance and efficiencyUtilise Microsoft Word, Excel, and internal systems including Epicor, BOS, COSHH databases, Torque databases, and email systemsThe CandidateExperience working within a laboratory environmentPrevious experience in a Quality Control roleA Levels or equivalent qualifications in one or more scientific subjectsProficient in Microsoft Word and ExcelStrong attention to detail and commitment to quality standardsAbility to manage workloads effectively and work flexibly to meet business needsExcellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across departmentsKnowledge of laboratory health and safety practices and quality procedures

If you're looking to develop your career within a quality-focused laboratory environment and contribute to the delivery of high-quality products, Smart4Sciences would love to hear from you.

ResponsibilitiesPerform quality control testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using a range of analytical techniquesDocument and report analytical results in accordance with quality procedures and regulatory standardsSupport production, quality, and R&D teams through accurate and timely laboratory testingInvestigate analytical issues, out-of-specification results, and support root cause analysisContribute to method development, validation, and continuous improvement initiativesMaintain laboratory compliance, technical documentation, and safe working practicesInstrument SkillsGas Chromatography (GC)High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)Karl Fischer Titrators (KF)Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)Analytical BalancesTitration EquipmentGas Generation SystemsSkillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesExcellent attention to detail and accuracyStrong organisational and time management skillsAbility to prioritise workloads in a fast-paced laboratory environmentKnowledge of laboratory safety and handling hazardous chemicalsStrong documentation and record-keeping skillsEffective communication and teamwork skillsProficiency in Microsoft Excel and WordRequired ExperienceDegree in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent experience)1-2 years' experience within an analytical or quality control laboratory. Years of experience may include relevant academic experience.Practical experience operating GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer equipment, and titrationsExperience handling hazardous chemicalsUnderstanding of QC Quality systems like ISO 9001:2015Experience managing multiple priorities and working to deadlinesDesired / Advanced Experience3-5 years' Quality Control experience within fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or a related industryExperience troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing GC, HPLC, and gas generation systems Advanced expertise operating GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer equipment, titration systems, and analytical balancesExperience supporting analytical method development and validationKnowledge of quality management systems, including ISO 9001:2015Proven ability to investigate quality issues and implement corrective actionsDemonstrated success driving process improvements and laboratory efficiency initiativesStrong track record of prioritising work effectively in an operational laboratory environment