We are in search of a dedicated Synthetic Organic Chemist with an interest in Polymer Science to join our team. As a key contributor, you will play a pivotal role in our development and production processes, leveraging your expertise in synthetic chemistry, reaction work-up and compound analysis to support our manufacturing capabilities and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in the enzymatic depolymerisation of plastics.
Essential Responsibilities:
Process Development
- Develop end-to-end processes at the bench-scale level for converting plastic waste into chemical building blocks in collaboration with the wider team
- Utilise in-depth knowledge of organic chemistry to design, optimise and develop syntheses of molecules required for wider R&D projects
- Design and execute experiments, focusing on the disruption of intermolecular interactions, separation of intermediates, depolymerisation and repolymerisation of plastics
- Aid the troubleshooting and problem-solving initiatives related to all processes for enzymatic depolymerisation identifying and implementing solutions to enhance productivity and quality standards
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions
- Dedicate substantial time to laboratory work conducting experiments and trials
- Carry out any other ad hoc laboratory work as required
- Working with strict health and safety processes
Characterisation
- Develop robust and scalable work-up procedures for the isolation of pure monomers and related molecules from enzymatically depolymerised plastic waste
- Utilize analytical instruments such as NMR, HPLC and GC independently to fully characterise compounds and complex mixtures
- Conduct thorough analyses of plastic waste to identify, quantify and characterize unknown chemical contaminants
Projects
- Lead and support efforts in scaling up polymer-based processes from laboratory to pilot-scale production, ensuring seamless transition and efficiency
- Manage and carry out experiments and trials for internal pipeline development programmes
- Produce weekly reports on projects and input materials testing.
- Order laboratory consumables
Communication and reporting
- Maintain comprehensive records, including experimental data, observations, and outcomes, following strict documentation protocols
- Effectively communicate experimental results and implications to engineers, the commercial team and external partners
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
Innovation
- Drive research and development efforts aimed at enhancing existing processes, exploring new technologies, and improving product performance
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and actively participate in ideation, development, and enhancement of enzymatic reactions and chemical separations to bolster our techno-economics
- Maintain a keen interest in the scientific literature relating to the chemical recycling of plastics, organic synthesis and biocatalysis
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemistry with a focus on Organic Synthesis
- 0-5 years proven industrial experience in a production or manufacturing environment, in roles directly related to synthesis, process chemistry, biocatalysis, or polymer chemistry
- Proficiency in work-up techniques such as flash silica chromatography and recrystallisation
- Proficiency in analytical techniques key to compound identification (e.g., NMR, GC, HPLC)
Preferred Qualifications:
- A PhD in organic chemistry (or equivalent work experience) with focus in organic synthesis, biocatalysis or polymer science
- Experience in working with enzymes and applying them as catalysts in synthetic chemistry
- Familiarity with polymer characterisation, processing, and synthesis techniques
- Knowledge of safety protocols and regulatory compliance in chemical manufacturing environments
Benefits and perks
Epoch Biodesign offers a comprehensive benefits program. At the moment this includes:
Benefits:
- A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)
- Meaningful EMI Share Options
- A non-contributory pension of 9% employer contribution
- Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality
- Group Income Protection
- Group Critical Illness
- Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm
- Cycle to work scheme
- The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable
On-the-job perks
- Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks
- Onsite gym
- Various staff social activities
And we are always in the process of reviewing and implementing further on-the-job perks!
