Laboratory Chemist

Verdant Specialty Solutions LLC; Halifax; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational chemical company is seeking a University Student for a 12-month Work Placement as an R&D Chemist at their Halifax site starting in July 2026. This role involves synthesizing products, analyzing results, and collaborating across departments. Applicants should be pursuing a degree in Chemistry or a related field with basic knowledge of surfactants. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to independently manage workloads are essential. Experience with laboratory work is also required.

Qualifications

• Studying for a Bachelors or Masters in Chemistry or related field.
• Basic understanding of surfactants and organic chemistry.
• Familiarity with laboratory practical work and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize products in the lab up to 20 Kg scale.
• Analyze products using existing analytical methods.
• Collate data for statistical analysis.
• Put together formulations and test them in the lab.
• Conduct application and performance testing.
• Support plant trials of new products.
• Maintain cleanliness in the lab and storerooms.
• Process samples to customers.

Skills

Communication skills

Mathematical skills

IT skills (Proficiency in Excel)

Problem-solving ability

Ability to manage own workload

Cooperative working relationships

Education

Bachelors/Masters Hons Chemistry or related degree

Job description

Overview

Verdant Specialty solutions have a vacancy for University Student to work as an R&D Chemist at our Halifax Site for a 12-month Work Placement commencing July 2026.

The 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.

The purpose of the role is to provide support to the Technical Services and Commercial teams, and other departments with key duties as below:

Responsibilities

• 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 in order to interpret and identify patterns and trends.
• Putting together formulations and/or blends of surfactants to meet customer needs and 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 & storerooms are kept clean & tidy and that regular lab safety checks are done.
• Processing of samples to customers.

Skills and Experience Required

• Studying for a Bachelors/Masters Hons Chemistry or related degree
• Basic understanding of surfactants and organic chemistry
• Be familiar with laboratory practical experimental work and equipment
• Good communication, mathematical and IT skills (Proficiency in Excel desirable)
• Problem solving ability
• Ability to manage own work load / be proactive / work unsupervised
• Ability to build co-operative working relationships across departments