Lead Applications Scientist

Closing Date:
2/4/2024Be part of our journeyAs a global leader in speciality chemicals, we continue to succeed and strengthen our delivery of innovative, sustainable and high-performance solutions. We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilise new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing market place.Our Applications teams play a key role in ensuring we are creating and developing optimum formulations for our new and existing product range utilising various test methods and conditions to meet our customer expectations.We currently have a vacancy for a Lead Applications Scientist working in the Personal Care business based in Widnes.Within the Lead Applications Scientist role you will be required to work with a level of autonomy to solve both complex and straightforward problems and suggest the most viable development routes for how to proceed with an experiment/project, making decisions with the Team Leader or Research Manager.As part of the applications team, you are central to the product developed process. Youll work with a range of different parts of the organisation from synthesis, through testing and then progressed through to the commercial parts of the business meaning your work is always varied!The main functions of the role are:To work in a predominantly hands-on, lab based role preparing samples, performing testing and evaluating product performance claims to meet the needs of the Hair Care market.Use a wide array of instrumental test methods e.g. tensile, cyclic and moisture absorption testing, and other industry specific methods, e.g. combing force, surface friction and various image analysis techniques on hair fibres and tresses as the test substrate.Develop an in depth knowledge of other methods used for testing hair fibres and an understanding of the analysis and interpretation of the data produced.Communicate with synthesis teams to understand the chemistry of products being tested and possible modifications and changes which may impact product performance.Evaluate and develop new and novel physical and visual test methods to produce differentiated data for new and existing hair care ingredients.Carry out statistical evaluation of data produced to validate product claims which relate to the end consumer (e.g. conditioning, styling, strengthening).Writing of technical reports and clear presentation of data to various audiences including local research team, wider commercial and marketing teams, intellectual property team and regulatory departments to aid the product launch process.Provide a technical support service to sales and marketing as and when required e.g. answering customer technical enquiries, recommending products, training sessions, participating in customer technical visits.Supporting the training and development of less experienced scientists, apprentices, and placement students.Following site safety procedures and actively contribute towards the continued improvement of a safe working environment and culture.Project activities will include both longer-term new product development projects and shorter-term customer focusedprojects.Some travel may be required on occasion, both domestic and internationally, but this will be on an infrequent basis.The role does not necessarily come with line management of other scientists, but this could form part of the development of role in the future.Benefits Package:The successful candidate will receive a competitive benefits package including:Defined benefit pension scheme with death in service benefit25 days paid holiday allowance (plus bank holidays)Access to share incentive plansPrivate medical insuranceCar leasing schemeCycle to work schemePremier Benefits online discounts.Our ideal personAs a business, its really important to us that we find the best person for the job and that you have the best opportunity to succeed in the role. To help, we have outlined our expectations for the role and what core skills and experiences we require as well as what would make you an ideal fit. In turn, we hope this helps you evaluate if this is the right job for you.Essentials:A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or similar scientific discipline or relevant work experience is required with some relevant or related laboratory experience.You will be an innovative scientist and proactive, independent problem solverYou will be an effective communicator, capable of building effective working relationships and producing a high standard of written workYou will be comfortable using your own initiative as well as working as part of a wider teamExcellent planning and organisation skills with experience of working on multiple projects simultaneouslyIndustrial experience or knowledge of hair structure, testing techniques and data analysis. Related materials testing experience may also be considered.Desirables:Background in applied/materials sciences would be useful but not essential.Knowledge of statistical analysis software and methods.Awareness of formulation formats and ingredients used commonly in hair care. Note this is not a formulation based role