Senior R&D Chemist
Greater Manchester, Swinton, United Kingdom
Full Time
R&D
Experienced
Senior R&D Chemist
Location: Swinton, Greater Manchester
Contract Type: Permanent | Full-time (37 hours/week, Monday to Friday)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on qualifications and experience
Benefits: Bonus scheme, company share scheme, 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays, pension scheme, free on-site parking
About Us
Luxfer MEL Technologies is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of magnesium and zirconium-based products and services to advanced technology industries. We employ approximately 300 people across the UK and the US.
Our zirconium chemicals are produced at sites in Swinton (UK) and Flemington (New Jersey, USA) and are used in a wide range of niche markets, including automotive, refinery, biomass, coatings, pharmaceutical, and military/defence applications. Our lightweight magnesium alloys are custom-engineered for use in safety-critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, healthcare, oil and gas, and Formula 1.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled, self-driven, and enthusiastic Senior R&D Chemist to join our dynamic R&D team based in Swinton, Greater Manchester.
Reporting to the Head of Zirconia R&D and working closely with the Director of Growth & Innovation – Zirconium Chemicals, you will be responsible for initiating, leading, and delivering research projects that support our strategic growth ambitions.
The role is hands-on and highly collaborative. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Sales to ensure that new and existing products meet both technical requirements and customer expectations. You will also coordinate the activities of a small team of apprentices.
Key Responsibilities
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience
The Package
Apply now to be part of a company that combines technical excellence, innovation, and customer focus to help shape the future of advanced materials.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert at any time once the position has been filled.
Location: Swinton, Greater Manchester
Contract Type: Permanent | Full-time (37 hours/week, Monday to Friday)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on qualifications and experience
Benefits: Bonus scheme, company share scheme, 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays, pension scheme, free on-site parking
Luxfer MEL Technologies is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of magnesium and zirconium-based products and services to advanced technology industries. We employ approximately 300 people across the UK and the US.
Our zirconium chemicals are produced at sites in Swinton (UK) and Flemington (New Jersey, USA) and are used in a wide range of niche markets, including automotive, refinery, biomass, coatings, pharmaceutical, and military/defence applications. Our lightweight magnesium alloys are custom-engineered for use in safety-critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, healthcare, oil and gas, and Formula 1.
We are seeking a highly skilled, self-driven, and enthusiastic Senior R&D Chemist to join our dynamic R&D team based in Swinton, Greater Manchester.
Reporting to the Head of Zirconia R&D and working closely with the Director of Growth & Innovation – Zirconium Chemicals, you will be responsible for initiating, leading, and delivering research projects that support our strategic growth ambitions.
The role is hands-on and highly collaborative. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Sales to ensure that new and existing products meet both technical requirements and customer expectations. You will also coordinate the activities of a small team of apprentices.
- Initiate, lead, and deliver new product development programmes in close collaboration with the R&D team and wider business functions
- Engage with current customers to understand and support their technical needs
- Promote Luxfer MEL Technologies to new customers and academic institutions through events and conferences
- Monitor macro-trends and generate ideas for new materials and business opportunities
- Conduct literature and intellectual property reviews for new applications
- Design synthesis protocols for new inorganic materials at lab scale (e.g. mixed oxides, hydroxides)
- Perform material characterisation using techniques such as XRD, TGA/DTA, TPD, porosimetry, and particle size analysis
- Interpret data, prepare detailed technical reports, and present results to internal and external stakeholders
- Support the scale-up of new products and processes from laboratory to pilot/production scale
- Coordinate and supervise the activities of apprentices within the department
- Maintain and improve laboratory procedures and 5S standards
- Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental requirements
- Support internal and external audits where required
Qualifications & Experience
- PhD in inorganic chemistry OR experience in the chemical industry with a focus on inorganic materials
- Proven track record in initiating and delivering research projects
- Experience in leading or mentoring small teams
- Strong background in synthesis and characterisation of inorganic compounds
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office
- Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong problem-solving and organisational abilities
- Experience in interpreting results and preparing reports for varied technical audiences
- Sound understanding of contemporary applications for inorganic materials
- Familiarity with fields such as heterogeneous catalysis, ceramics, energy storage, hydrogen economy, and glass
- High attention to detail
- Self-motivated, with good time management and ability to work independently
- Creative, enthusiastic, and collaborative team player
- Strong alignment with our core values: Customer First, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Personal Development, Teamwork
The Package
- Competitive salary (based on experience and qualifications)
- Potential annual bonus opportunity
- Participation in company share scheme
- 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Permanent contract (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert at any time once the position has been filled.
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. If you wish to request that your application be considered under the terms of our Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please explicitly state so in your CV and / or accompanying cover letter.
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