Are you looking to progress your laboratory career as a formulation chemist, focusing on new product development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for someone to join the existing Belzona Research & Development team in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Belzona is a global leader in industrial polymeric solutions, offering innovative and market leading protective coatings and repair composites to a wide range of industries, including; Energy (Oil & Gas, Renewables, Nuclear), Steel, Marine, Mining, Petrochemical etc, and we are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated person to join our R&D team in an active product development role as an R&D Technologist.
Job Description
Reporting to the R&D Manager and working as part of the existing R&D team, this is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of innovative polymeric repair and protective solutions. In this hands-on laboratory position, you will play a key role in researching, developing, testing, and optimising product formulations.
The R&D Technologist has responsibility for the design and development of new industrial repair and protection products and is involved from concept through to commercialisation. The role will primarily involve the formulation and development of new polymer-based systems and the subsequent testing to verify performance using a range of analytical and mechanical methods. Working alongside the existing R&D team and wider business, the Technologist is also involved in the scale-up process and preparation of supporting documentation/literature in readiness for market release.
What are we looking for?
Essential
- Background and qualification in a scientific area, preferably chemistry, polymer, or material science
- Formulation and product development experience with a proven track record of innovation and success in a research and development role
- Previous laboratory experience in a formulating role within a relevant discipline e.g paints, coatings, composites, sealants, adhesives
- Strong practical and hands-on skills
- Self-motivated, innovative, logical thinker with the ability to problem solve
- Confident communicator and team player with good organisational skills
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn and develop
Desirable/Advantageous
- An understanding of polymer chemistry used in industrial coatings and composite repair materials e.g.
- epoxy (bisphenol A, bisphenol F and Novolac resins)
- polyurethanes and polyureas
- silanes, silicates, silicones and siloxanes
- polyester, vinyl ester and cyanate esters
- phenolics, furans and acrylics
- smart materials (self-healing, stimuli responsive etc.)
- bio-based polymers
- Practical knowledge and experience in corrosion prevention and the use of coatings and repair composites.
- Familiarity with coating and composite testing techniques e.g. immersion resistance, adhesion, mechanical strength, heat resistance etc.
- Understanding of chemical and industrial processes in key Belzona markets, e.g. power/energy, marine, petrochemical, mining etc.
What are we offering?
- Opportunity to join a successful and progressive company
- Supportive, innovative, and collaborative work environment
- Access to excellent facilities and resources
- Full training and support
- Opportunity for personal and professional development
- Full-time permanent position based in Harrogate (37.5hrs/week)
- Highly competitive benefits package.
Package:
The successful candidates can expect to receive a highly competitive package including:
- Private Health care
- Life assurance
- Permanent Health Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexitime working (after probatory period)
- Quarterly Bonus
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity
- Company pension plan – with the option of AVC matched up to 8%
- 23 days annual leave + statutory holidays
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Eye Test/Glasses Contributions
- Benefits Hub
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £500 each (subject to NI/Tax Deductions)
- Free Parking
- Birthday Voucher
- Company funded charitable working (3 days per annum)
- Regular staff pick-me-ups and social events
Belzona Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and we undertake to give fair and full consideration to all applications for employment made to Belzona, irrespective of any Protected Characteristic.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£37,000.00 per year
Schedule:
Experience:
- polymer chemistry: 1 year (preferred)
- coating, composite or adhesive formulation: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
