Lead Analytical Chemist
Job Location
Job Type
Full Time
Date Posted
16 Nov 2023
About us
DeepTech Recycling Ltd (DTR) is a UK-based technology company with a passionate support for the critical global drive towards a circular economy.
Plastic is a fantastic material, providing excellent utility to society across many sectors. However, the current management of plastic waste generated is unsustainable. The world only recycles c.12% of plastic waste generated each year. This remarkable resource inefficiency means that c.88% of the plastic used in the world is either buried, burnt, or leaked into the environment. This has led to a global environmental crisis and a need for change.
DTR is on a mission to accelerate the evolution of plastic into a more sustainable material. We have technology that can turn hard-to-recycle plastic waste, such as flexible packaging, multi-layer structures, polystyrene, into feedstocks for new plastic production.
This is an exciting time for DTR as we prepare to launch our technology in our target market segments and develop commercial demonstrators with our customers. This is a unique opportunity to have an impact on the commercialization of our technology platforms. If you are motivated, enjoy a challenge and are looking to make a real impact for the future, then this is a great opportunity for you.
Job Description
1. Job summary
The Lead Analytical Chemist will join our Technology Development Team and take overall responsibility for process chemistry. You will be responsible for operations, management, and maintenance of DTR’s lab facilities. You will support the development of DTR’s analytical capabilities and the optimization of DTR’s core technology to convert plastic waste into a valuable hydrocarbon product (Plaxx®). You will liaise / work with partner universities and other 3rd party organizations to advance DTR’s technology.
As part of this role, you will be required to spend most of your time in DTR’s lab facilities. This means that you will be required to work from the offices. Some remote working will be permitted (subject to agreement with your line manager) but this will be minimal.
2. Key Responsibilities
• To specify, purchase, install, set-up and maintain Lab equipment and instruments. All analytical and research equipment, and lab facilities shall be managed and maintained in a good, clean and orderly condition. The Lead Analytical Chemist will maintain 5S standards in the lab facilities.
• To manage the lab facilities and ensure that lab operations are compliant with all required legislation and regulations including but not limited to HSE regulations and ISO/IEC/EN standards. To ensure safe working practices and a safe working environment within the lab facilities.
• To prepare samples and reagents for analysis and to develop standard methods for sample collection and preparation.
• To perform samples testing included plastics, Plaxx® (hydrocarbon) products, effluents, hydrocarbon gases using standard methods and to develop new methods and protocols. To perform chemical analysis using wet chemistry methods and analytical instruments including TGA, GC, GC-MS, GC-FID, column chromatography and bomb calorimetry etc.
• To develop and continuously improve characterisation protocols of waste plastics, products and effluents.
• To develop a database for process chemistry based on analytical testing and results and to advise on process changes / developments. The Analytical Chemist shall ensure that the detailed process chemistry for all aspects of the technology is documented and understood.
• To develop, implement and maintain processes, operating procedures, work instructions, risk assessments, QA/QC processes for all testing, analytical instruments and activities.
• To ensure all laboratory documents are in a constant state of regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.
• To ensure chemicals and consumables required for the labs are always available and replenished when necessary. To ensure that the COSHH registers are updated to include all chemicals used in the labs and to ensure safe storage within COSHH cabinets.
• To develop and participate in research projects and other ad hoc activities as may be required from time to time including developing grant funded projects and other general business development activities.
• Ensure that the highest standard of professionalism is always maintained, and that all assigned work is delivered efficiently and in a timely manner.
Necessary Skills, Competencies and Experience
1. Essential
• BSc, MSc degree or PhD in Chemistry or related science subject.
• Experience working in an analytical lab environment using, setting-up and maintaining equipment and instruments such as TGA, GC, GC-MS, GC-FID, column chromatography and bomb calorimetry etc.
• Experience developing and applying testing and characterisation methods in a wet lab environment including validation against external metrics.
• Experience in research planning and bibliometric studies.
• Knowledge of testing standards and relevant regulatory requirements (especially HSE requirements) for setting up and operating labs which handle waste and hydrocarbons.
• Highly self-motivated with ability to work with minimum supervision and demonstrated experience working on and delivering long term projects.
• Ability to communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders with demonstrated presentation skills.
2. Desirable
• Experience in analytical sciences or analytical Instrumentation
• Familiarity of scientific methods for collecting and analysing scientific data
• Sampling and knowledge of chemical materials use, storage & shipping requirements
• Technical writing ability with supported evidence through publications.
• Time management and ability to work to tight deadlines.
Organisational Structure
• Role reports to the CTO
• You will collaborate with the other members of the Technology Development Team including the Research Engineer.
• In time, you will be required to collaborate with members of Product Engineering Team.