Graduate Laboratory Chemist (R&D)

Verdant Specialty Solutions LLC; Halifax; On-site; GBP 25,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global specialty solutions company is seeking a University Graduate for an R&D Chemist position in Halifax as part of a 24-month Graduate Scheme starting July 2026. The role involves synthesizing products, analyzing them, and supporting the Technical Services team. Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, a strong understanding of surfactants, and excellent laboratory and communication skills. This position emphasizes practical application of scientific knowledge in various projects.

Qualifications

• Graduate with a relevant Chemistry qualification.
• Must have a deep understanding of surfactants and organic chemistry.
• Familiar with laboratory practical work and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to Technical Services and Commercial teams.
• Synthesize products in the lab up to 20 Kg scale.
• Analyze products using site analytical methods.
• Collate data for statistical analysis.
• Test formulations and blends of surfactants.
• Conduct application and performance testing.
• Support plant trials of new products.
• Maintain lab safety standards.
• Provide support to interns and other chemists.

Skills

Understanding of surfactants

Organic chemistry

Laboratory practical skills

Problem-solving ability

Communication skills

Mathematical skills

IT skills (Excel)

Education

Bachelors/Masters Hons in Chemistry

Job description

Overview

The Verdant Halifax site is part of a group of 8 production sites globally that specialise in surfactants, natural and synthetic polymers and amines. We develop formulations that provide our customers' sustainable and differentiated solutions with functional qualities designed to modify fluid behaviour and deliver cleansing, softening, moisturizing, gelling, texturing, and penetrating dispersal properties. Our products are found in a variety of end-markets, including home and personal care, agricultural specialties, industrial & architectural coatings, oil & gas and several industrial applications. We have a vacancy for a University Graduate to join us as an R&D Chemist at our Halifax Site on a 24-month Graduate Scheme commencing July 2026. Reporting to the Technical Services Manager, your primary areas of responsibility will be:

• To provide support to the Technical Services and Commercial teams, and other departments as necessary.
• Carry out work programme as agreed by Technical Service Manager and report back on a regular basis
• Synthesis of products in the lab up to 20 Kg scale using processes already used on plant or new processes to the site. This could be to supply new or development products to customers for testing & approval.
• Analysis of products using existing site analytical methods in QC lab or industry standard methods.
• Collation of data for statistical analysis is in order to interpret and identify patterns and trends.
• Putting together formulations and/or blends of surfactants to meet customer needs & then testing these products in the laboratory.
• Application & performance testing, including testing of physical parameters, of surfactants and formulations.
• Supporting plant trials of new/development products.
• Ensuring lab and storeroom housekeeping standards are met and maintained.
• Be responsible for safety in the laboratory on a day-to-day basis, carrying out lab safety checks on a regular basis.
• Provide practical support to the work of interns and the other chemists within the team on a daily basis.
• Processing of samples to customers.
• Assess patent landscape and academic literature in areas relating to existing and new Verdant products and projects, and contributing to Verdant New Idea Creation & Evaluation process.

Qualifications

• A graduate with a Bachelors/Masters Hons Chemistry qualifications
• Deep understanding of surfactants and organic chemistry
• Be familiar with laboratory practical experimental work and equipment
• A strong interest in applying your scientific knowledge to practical, commercial situations, and have good practical lab skills
• Good communication, mathematical and IT skills (Proficiency in Excel desirable)
• Problem solving ability
• Ability to manage own work load / be proactive / work unsupervised & work with other business functions