Are you an experienced Analytical Chemist looking for an opportunity to apply your technical expertise within a growing R&D and manufacturing environment?

We are recruiting for an Analytical Chemist to join a specialist Packaging Sciences team, providing analytical chemistry expertise across products, manufacturing operations, suppliers and customers.

This is a varied and technically focused role where you will play a key part in investigating technical challenges, generating high-quality analytical data and providing clear recommendations to support problem solving and business decisions.

The Role

As an Analytical Chemist, you will:

• Provide analytical chemistry expertise and technical support across the business.
• Lead and coordinate investigations relating to manufacturing, customer complaints and technical issues.
• Develop and improve analytical methods and laboratory processes.
• Carry out investigations involving food and water analysis, quality and process support, contaminants and foreign body identification, food contact compliance, taint and odour assessments and other analytical chemistry projects.
• Use a range of laboratory techniques to produce accurate, reliable and traceable analytical data.
• Interpret results and prepare clear technical reports, conclusions and recommendations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring it is calibrated, serviced and fit for purpose.
• Manage sample workflows and laboratory records, maintaining full traceability.
• Contribute to laboratory quality, housekeeping and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical guidance, training and support to colleagues and apprentices.

You will ideally have:

• A BSc in Chemistry or equivalent qualification.
• Previous experience working within an analytical chemistry or food chemistry laboratory.
• Practical experience using Ion Chromatography (IC) and ICP-OES – essential.
• Good general laboratory skills, including wet chemistry and volumetric analysis.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to interpret complex technical information.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present scientific data.
• Good IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• A methodical approach to laboratory records, sample management and traceability.
• A strong commitment to safe working practices and laboratory standards.

Desirable Experience

Experience with any of the following would be advantageous:

• GCMS
• FTIR
• DSC
• Contract laboratory environments
• Food packaging or food production
• Protective metal coatings
• Mentoring or training junior laboratory colleagues
• A higher degree specialising in analytical chemistry or a related discipline
• Additional European language skills

If you have strong analytical chemistry experience, particularly IC and ICP-OES, and are looking for your next challenge, we'd be keen to hear from you!