Principal Analytical Chemist

Location: Initially Manchester, relocating to Wolverhampton in 2025
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Analytical Chemist to join our Research and Development team. This role will play a pivotal part in driving our analytical capabilities and supporting various aspects of our business.
Key Responsibilities
Provide expert analytical services using chromatography and wet chemistry, and other techniques as required.
Run routine and non-routine chromatography methods to analyze a variety of sample types.
Develop and document new analytical methods.
Use chromatography-related software systems (Empower, Chemstation, LIMS).
Oversee maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of instruments and equipment, occasionally performing urgent repairs.
Utilize titration techniques with associated software.
Solve complex problems with initiative, independent thinking, and scientific insight.
Collaborate with colleagues to clarify analytical work requirements and ensure optimal business support.
Coach and develop team members, sharing knowledge to promote synergy.
Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Promote a proactive attitude towards maintaining a safe working environment.
Additional Responsibilities
Conduct CoA testing of new suppliers' raw materials or equivalent materials.
Support R&D, applications, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, and sales through timely acquisition and reporting of analytical results.
Lead analytical support for non-dusting blend (NDB) full-scale remote toll manufacturing and local pilot plant.
Train and validate contract lab operators in routine analytical methods and document training.
Generate product specifications and develop necessary analytical methods.
Provide backup QC testing for CoA in case of equipment failure at contract labs.
Coordinate periodic round-robin analytical studies to ensure consistency and competency across NDB QC labs.
Take responsibility for resolving quality complaints.
Liaise with and advise external testing labs.
Ensure NDB analytical instrumentation (HPLC, GC & ICPOES) is well-maintained, performing routine checks for accuracy and reliability.
Troubleshoot defective instrumentation and organize prompt repairs, arranging alternative instrumentation with support from the Analytical Leader.
Document and review standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Desirable Skills
Experience with statistical analysis software.
Previous QC lab experience.
Strong IT skills, including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).
Knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and polymer chemistry.
Excellent data handling and reporting skills.
Proactive problem-solving and independent thinking.
Essential Skills
PhD in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry preferred).
10+ years of experience as an analytical scientist in materials or a related industry.
Proven expertise in chromatography (HPLC, UHPLC, GPC, GC, etc.) with various detector types, including mass spectrometry.
Working knowledge of spectroscopy and wet chemistry.
Fluent spoken and written English.