Formulation Chemist

WHO WE ARE:

Established for over 40 years, in Colchester, Essex, Pioneer Research Chemicals Ltd has built an excellent reputation, both within the UK and internationally, for the manufacture and supply of high-quality reagents, stains, fixatives and buffers. We are a leading supplier to hospitals, research facilities, universities, veterinary and general laboratories with a focus on reagents used in the fields of histology, cytology, haematology and microbiology.

OUR TEAM:

Pioneer Research Chemicals currently consists of six employees. As a small firm, we truly value our employees and strive for co-operative working relationships throughout the company.

THE ROLE:

We are looking to recruit a full-time Formulation Chemist to fill a new post and to join our well established, growing Company on a permanent basis. Reporting to our Scientific Director, you will be responsible for quality control, problem-solving and ensuring safe and efficient formulation of reagents in various batch sizes up to 1000 litres.

There is also the opportunity to be involved in research and development projects, such as developing new formulations to meet our clients’ needs.

Considering our target market, it would be advantageous if you have experience working within a Life Science/Cellular Pathology setting.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Prepare hazardous and non-hazardous chemical solutions following our Standard Operating Procedures in various batch sizes up to 1000 litres.
• Work within current processes and assist in the maintenance and development of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management System.
• Provide direct technical support to the Scientific Director.
• Provide technical leadership associated with product formulation and project activities.
• Direct or monitor other workers producing chemical products to keep within production deadlines.
• Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist in research and development and problem solving.
• Develop and conduct programmes of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials and end products.
• Responsible for managing health and safety and ensuring all requirements are observed.
• Proactively contribute towards accreditation assessments.
• Represent the company at trade shows (currently one per year).
• Monitor performance of laboratory equipment.
• Responsible for populating and printing product labels and chemical Safety Data Sheets.
• Proactively contribute towards ensuring all workplace and chemical regulatory requirements are met.
• Load and unload vehicles manually or using forklift (full training will be provided).
• Participate in staff meetings as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential requirements:

• A-level in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or other relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a product formulation role and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures within a prescribed Quality Management System.
• Knowledge of analytical testing.
• Self-motivated and able to work responsibly under minimal supervision.
• Awareness of Health and Safety requirements in a chemical laboratory setting.
• Strong attention to detail and good level of numeracy.
• Good team working and problem-solving skills.
• Eligible to work permanently in the UK.

Desirable requirements:

• Experience of working within a Cellular Pathology or Life Science setting.
• Experience and understanding of COSHH, GHS/CLP, REACH regulations.
• Forklift experience.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work in a physically demanding role. You will be required to regularly stand for extended periods of time in a laboratory environment, and to manually decant, label and pack (up to 25 kg) of formulated products and prepare for despatch.
• Facial hair prohibited, to enable safe usage of PPE.