R&D Chemist - Horticulture Products

We are exclusively supporting an established and growing manufacturing business in the recruitment of an R&D Chemist to join its technical team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.

About the Role

This position requires someone with a strong understanding of horticulture, gained through either professional experience within the horticultural or a closely related industry, or through a PhD-level qualification in Horticulture, Plant Science or a closely related subject. The successful candidate will support the research, development and testing of horticultural products, helping to take new formulations from initial concept through to manufacture and commercial launch.

There is genuine potential for the position to become permanent for the right person.

Responsibilities

• Support the research and development of new horticultural products and identify opportunities to improve existing formulations.
• Plan and coordinate product trials, laboratory testing and development activities.
• Prepare development batches and undertake relevant quality control testing.
• Evaluate product performance and suitability for horticultural applications.
• Analyse trial results and produce clear technical reports and presentations for senior management.
• Support products throughout the development process, from initial concept and formulation through to manufacturing and commercial launch.
• Assist with regulatory compliance activities, including product registrations, technical documentation and the maintenance of accurate records.
• Work with Purchasing to assess and test new raw materials.
• Provide scientifically accurate technical support to the Sales and Marketing teams.
• Maintain and update technical databases covering raw materials, formulations and product information.
• Ensure all laboratory work is completed safely and in accordance with relevant Health and Safety procedures.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the business to support technical projects and wider commercial objectives.
• Undertake other appropriate technical duties as required.

Qualifications

To be considered, you will need to meet one of the following two criteria:

• Professional experience within the horticultural industry or a closely related sector, such as agriculture, crop science, plant nutrition, growing media, fertilisers, agrochemicals or horticultural product manufacturing; or
• A PhD-level qualification in Horticulture, Plant Science or a closely related discipline, providing strong technical knowledge relevant to horticultural product development.

Required Skills

• A strong scientific background, ideally supported by a degree in Chemistry, Horticulture, Plant Science, Agricultural Science or another relevant discipline.
• An interest in product formulation, research and development, laboratory testing and commercial product applications.
• The ability to interpret scientific and trial data and produce clear technical reports.
• Excellent organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced technical environment.
• A proactive approach and the confidence to work independently, use initiative and solve problems.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• A professional and collaborative approach to working with technical and non-technical colleagues.

Preferred Skills

None specified.

Pay range and compensation package

Salary of £30,000–£35,000, depending on experience. A 12-month maternity cover contract with genuine potential to become permanent. An opportunity to contribute to the development and improvement of horticultural products. A broad technical role offering exposure to research, formulation, trials, manufacturing and regulatory compliance. A supportive and collaborative working environment. The opportunity to broaden your technical and commercial experience within an established manufacturing business.

Equal Opportunity Statement

If you have professional experience within horticulture or a related industry—or hold a PhD-level qualification in a relevant horticultural discipline—and would like to contribute to the development of innovative products, we would be delighted to hear from you.