Product Development Chemist

Title: New Product Development Chemist

Location: Newcastle area

Salary: 35,000 - 45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Term: Permanent

SRG are working with a global and innovative producer of coatings and polymer-based products that have been established for over 75 years. They are seeking to hire a Development Chemist at their site in the Newcastle area to focus on the development of new products in printing. This role will suit candidates that have recent, proven industrial experience in the printing industry using gravure-printing, with desirable experience being in decorative or laminated film applications. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing industry.

Benefits and working hours: 35.5 hours per week, 9am - 5pm Monday - Thursday and 9am - 3pm on Fridays. 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays. Company pension scheme and discretionary bonus.

Role/Description

Create and test innovative decorative patterns for polymer films using gravure printing, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer preferences.

Formulate and enhance solvent-based ink systems, focusing on the selection, dispersion, and stability of pigments.

Assess and aid in the development of primers to guarantee strong adhesion of films to polymer substrates.

Execute lab and pilot-scale gravure printing trials, overseeing all print parameters such as cylinder selection, drying, and ink transfer.

Resolve printing issues including colour inconsistencies, poor adhesion, solvent retention, and misprints.

Conduct thorough visual and instrumental colour evaluations using tools like spectrophotometers and gloss meters.

Record all findings in technical reports and assist in scaling up new designs to full-scale production.

Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in formulation, product development, process engineering, and production to ensure the successful implementation of print innovations.

Stay informed about emerging pigment technologies, sustainable solvent systems, and regulatory requirements (e.g., REACH, VOC limits).

Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science or similar
• Recent, proven industrial experience of using gravure printing
• Knowledge and/or experience primers and adhesion promoters
• Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams
• Full right to work in the UK

If you would like to apply for this position, please use the link provided. Alternatively please email a copy of your CV For more information regarding this position or any others, please call Will on (phone number removed).

If you have a scientific background and this position is not relevant / suitable for you, please feel free to get in touch or visit (url removed) to view our other vacancies.

SRG is the UK's number one recruitment company specialising in the scientific, engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, food/FMCG, energy & renewables, biotech, chemical and medical device sectors.

As scientists ourselves, our specialist sector knowledge and our passion are second to none. It's this combination that makes us different. We're committed to providing outstanding temporary, contract and permanent career opportunities of all levels for our candidates and a comprehensive range of expert strategic recruitment services for our clients.

Keywords: chemistry, chemist, development, develop, R&D, research & development, printing, pigments, NPD, formulation,

Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group STEM Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.