Laboratory Development Chemist

Key Appointments (UK) Ltd; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Laboratory Development Chemist: Are you an experienced formulation chemist looking for an opportunity to develop innovative products in a dynamic and friendly environment?

We are recruiting for a Laboratory Development Chemist to join a leading chemical distributor, specialising in specialty chemicals and ingredients.

What the company can offer you…

• Full-time / Permanent
• Competitive Salary.
• Site based in Huddersfield.
• Career development opportunities.
• A dynamic and friendly environment.
• Generous holiday allowance with a buy/sell holiday scheme.
• Mental and physical wellbeing initiatives.
• Volunteering days.

About the Company
Our client is a well-established chemical distributor operating across multiple industries, including Personal Care, Homecare, Pharmaceuticals, and more. With a strong reputation for innovation and technical expertise, they work closely with suppliers and customers to deliver high-quality solutions. Their collaborative and inclusive culture fosters creativity, sustainability, and continuous improvement, ensuring they remain a trusted partner in the industry.

About the Role
As a Laboratory Development Chemist, you will play a key role in the development, optimisation, and validation of new cosmetic and household formulations. You will ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards while meeting market demands, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, design, and execute project work, interpreting results and defining next steps.
• Evaluate and assess the suitability of raw materials for formulation development.
• Record process information accurately for review and process instruction generation.
• Conduct compatibility tests to ensure raw materials meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Present findings in internal and external meetings through reports and presentations.
• Perform performance tests on developed formulations, interpreting results in detailed scientific reports.
• Ensure compliance with GLP, health, safety, environmental, and quality management.
• Support the technical team with QA issues related to rework, complaints, incidents, and rejects.
• Assist production and QC departments where applicable.
• Provide guidance and support to new staff members.
• Regularly review projects with the Laboratory Manager.
• Collaborate with teams including Marketing, Technical, Sales, and Business Management.
• Work on customer formulation requests, providing technical feedback.
• Design experiments to evaluate product performance, stability, and safety.
• Troubleshoot and resolve formulation-related issues.

Experience & Skills Required…
Essential:

• 2+ years of formulation experience within the relevant field.
• Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Understanding of regulations within the Personal Care/Household Care industry (e.g., COSMOS, CLP, RSPO).
• Ability to interpret challenge test results.
• Highly organised with strong documentation and reporting skills.
• A proactive self-starter with a problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with great attention to detail.

Desirable:

• Logical, critical thinking skills.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to various formulations (e.g., leave-on, rinse-off, hair care, etc.).
• Additional language skills.
• Valid driving licence.

If you are passionate about formulation development and looking for an exciting opportunity to advance your career, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today!

If shortlisted, our client will contact you to discuss the role and your experience further.

Key Appointments UK Ltd will assess your suitability for the role based on the information contained in your CV and application. This includes skills, experience, education, and location.
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