Principal Chemist
The cement industry is responsible for 8% of Carbon Dioxide emissions, were this a country it would be the third largest emitter of Carbon Dioxide in the world after the USA and China.
Our client is a carbon capture and storage company, developing novel technology for carbon sequestration within cement. This circular approach has a huge potential for impact on the carbon emissions associated with construction.
The scientific approach to this, sees them active in a variety of fields of material science, construction, concrete science, material chemistry and process scale up to commercialisation with associated process and systems engineering as fields. They are seeking a Principle Chemist.
What you’ll do:
You will lead research and development activities in this field. This will include designing experiments and conducting laboratory scale studies with an aim to evaluate the performance of materials and systems.
Specific responsibilities will include:
- Contribute to the funded grant project proposals – e.g. Innovate UK, European Innovation Council, UKRI, Horizon Europe.
- Plan, procure and manage the chemical laboratory in line with regulations.
- Research and Development: Lead research and development activities, including designing experiments, conducting laboratory-scale studies, and evaluating the performance of different materials and systems.
- Drive innovation in CO2 sorbent technologies by identifying new materials, processes, and methodologies to enhance sorption efficiency, selectivity, and capacity.
- Manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working on the CO2 mineralisation in concrete. Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to team members to ensure project objectives are met.
- Develop project plans, set milestones, and manage resources effectively to deliver projects within scope, budget, and timeline. Monitor progress, identify potential issues, and implement corrective measures as needed.
- Collaborate with senior management to develop and manage the R&D budget. Provide input on resource requirements, cost estimates, and financial projections. Monitor and control project expenses to ensure optimal utilization of resources.
- and assess potential risks and uncertainties associated with R&D projects. Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans to minimize project risks and ensure successful outcomes.
- Work closely with legal and IP teams to identify, protect, and manage intellectual property rights associated with CO2 adsorbent technologies. Collaborate on patent filings, licensing agreements, and IP strategy development.
- Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations to disseminate research findings internally and externally. Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of experimental data, methodologies, and results.
Your background:
We are seeking an individual with experience of working in materials synthesis and modification. We are keen to look at a broad range of backgrounds in this field and anticipate qualification to PhD level or equivalent. This role will see you leading a technical team of which there will be a mix of PhD and other degree qualifications.
- PhD in Chemistry.
- Experience ideally in CO2 capture, recycling, reduction technologies/systems.
- Experience in the synthesis and modification and full characterisation of functional materials.
- Proven experience in managing and leading multidisciplinary R&D teams, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
- 5+ years experience in material/surface/formulation chemistry
- Familiarity with intellectual property management, patent filings, and licensing agreements.
- Extensive post PhD experience leading independent research, ability to design and conduct research addressing fundamental scientific questions
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Understanding of laboratory setup, HSE requirements, experience in equipment specification development and procurement
- Significant experience problem-solving and troubleshooting. Be able to identify issues, propose innovative solutions, and adapt experimental protocols to overcome challenges.
- Demonstrable experience and deep understanding of characterisation methodology development of complex systems of organic and inorganic materials including polymers, and solid adsorbents
- R&D experience in fields of adsorption, adsorbent design, separation technologies, catalyst, materials surface functionalisation, carbon capture, surface chemistry or polymer chemistry
Desirable:
- PI or co-PI on academic research projects or equivalent industrial experience.
- Knowledge of funding mechanisms, grant applications, and collaboration opportunities within the R&D sector.
- Experience in developing proposal/bid writing.
- Experience in computational chemistry, analysis and simulation of synthetic materials
- Experience in carbon capture utilisation and storage
- Experience in patent writing and grant proposal development
- Experience in the mineralisation of CO2 for various applications.
- Understanding concrete and cement chemistry
- Fluent in English and ideally one other European language (Priority, German, French or Spanish).
-
Remuneration:
- Basic Salary + Car Allowance: £50,000 - £60,000
- Share options: £10,000 - £20,000
- Bonus upon achieving KPIs: £4,000 - £6,000
- Wider package of pension scheme and other benefits.