Chemist - Gas Phase Reaction Kinetics

Green Recruitment Company; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a practical Chemist to explore gas-phase reactions. This role demands expertise in analytical chemistry and catalyst development. Candidates should hold a PhD in Chemistry and have experience with analytical techniques such as GC and FTIR. The position offers a unique opportunity to advance sustainability in industrial processes through innovative research.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry (Physical, Analytical, or related) with 2 years postdoctoral or 1 year industrial experience.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as GC, FTIR, and ICP-MS.
• Experience with interpretation of kinetic data.
• Strong sample preparation skills for kinetic studies.
• Commitment to best practices in laboratory safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain advanced analytical instruments (GC, FTIR).
• Prepare samples for kinetic studies ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
• Utilize understanding of reaction pathways and kinetics to interpret results.
• Analyze analytical datasets and correlate with kinetic models.
• Establish safety protocols for chemical handling.

Skills

Proficiency in analytical techniques

Hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation

Strong sample preparation skills

Commitment to laboratory safety

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related discipline

Tools

GC

FTIR

ICP-MS

Kinetic modelling software (e.g., DynoChem)

Job description

TGRC has partnered with a UK-based applied science and advanced engineering company leading the way in industrial innovation. Through a multidisciplinary approach spanning the automotive, aerospace, and chemical industries, the company is advancing sustainability by helping manufacturers integrate carbon-derived silica and substantially reduce emissions.

Our client is seeking a practical, research-focused Chemist to join a project exploring the kinetics of gas-phase reactions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of analytical chemistry, kinetic studies, and catalyst development, requiring both technical expertise and a creative, problem-solving mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain advanced analytical instruments (GC, FTIR) to monitor reactants, products, and intermediates.
• Prepare samples for kinetic studies while ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and data integrity across all experimental campaigns.
• Utilize a strong understanding of chemical reaction pathways, intermediates, and kinetics to interpret experimental results and inform future study design.
• Analyse and interpret complex analytical datasets, correlating outcomes with kinetic models and underlying reaction mechanisms.
• Establish and uphold rigorous safety protocols for chemical handling and analytical instrument operation.
• Prepare, characterize (e.g., BET, TGA, XRD), and assess catalysts under both flow and batch conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable, efficient, and sustainable chemical processes.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of experimental methodologies, analytical findings, and equipment maintenance records.

Required Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry (Physical, Analytical, or a related discipline) with at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience, or a minimum of 1 year in an industrial or startup environment.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as GC, FTIR, and ICP-MS.
• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and interpretation of kinetic data.
• Strong skills in sample preparation for kinetic studies, ensuring precision and data reliability.
• Commitment to best practices in laboratory safety, chemical handling, and instrument maintenance.

Preferred Experience:

• Background in catalyst synthesis, characterization (e.g., BET, TGA, XRD), and testing in both flow and batch systems.
• Familiarity with kinetic modelling software (e.g., DynoChem) or equivalent computational tools.
• Proven ability to interpret complex analytical datasets and connect results to kinetic and mechanistic models.