Vacancy Detail
Process Development Chemist
Talent STEM are partnering with a growing chemical manufacturing company supplying specialist products into a range of industrial markets. With continued investment and increasing production demand, they are looking to appoint a Process Development Chemist to join their technical team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a chemist with around 2-3 years' industrial experience who is looking to develop their career within a hands-on manufacturing environment.
The Opportunity
Working across both the laboratory and pilot plant, you'll support the development, optimisation and scale-up of chemical processes while gaining exposure to larger-scale manufacturing operations.
Working alongside experienced chemists and production teams, you'll contribute to process improvement, investigate technical challenges and help ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out small-scale organic synthesis, reactions and distillations (up to approximately 20L scale)
- Support pilot-scale and production distillation processes (up to approximately 100L scale)
- Perform laboratory techniques including crystallisation, purification and separations
- Conduct analytical testing using techniques such as HPLC, GC, FTIR, Karl Fischer and titrations
- Assist with process investigations, troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities
- Accurately record laboratory work, process data and experimental results
- Ensure work is carried out safely and in accordance with COSHH and site HSE procedures
- Work closely with production, quality and technical colleagues to support manufacturing operations and process scale-up
About You
We're looking for someone who enjoys practical laboratory work and wants to build a long-term career within process chemistry and chemical manufacturing.
You'll ideally have:
- A degree in Chemistry, preferably with an Organic Chemistry focus
- Around 2-3 years' industrial experience within chemical manufacturing, process development or a laboratory environment
- Practical experience of organic synthesis, distillation, crystallisation and purification techniques
- Experience using analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, FTIR or Karl Fischer (experience with every technique isn't essential)
- A methodical approach with excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across technical and production teams
- A genuine interest in process improvement and developing chemical manufacturing processes
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing manufacturing business where you'll gain exposure to laboratory development, pilot plant operations and full-scale manufacturing.
You'll be supported by an experienced technical team while developing your knowledge of process chemistry, scale-up and continuous improvement, with genuine opportunities for long-term career progression.
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.
Location: Cambridge | Salary: £34000 - £39000 per year | Job type: Permanent | Posted: 10/07/2026
