Development Chemist

• We are recruiting for a Development Chemist to join a small, specialist team developing and improving coating products for the automotive industry.
• This is a hands-on product development position combining formulation, laboratory testing, product trials, technical support and manufacturing scale-up. You will work across the full development process, from developing and testing formulations through to supporting production and conducting trials with customers.
• The role would suit a Development Chemist, Formulation Chemist, Coatings Chemist, R&D Chemist or Product Development Chemist with experience of coatings, paints, formulations or a related chemical product environment.

• You will be involved in the development and improvement of automotive coating products, including primers, basecoats and clear coats, ensuring products meet customer specifications, quality requirements and relevant industry standards.
• Your responsibilities will include:
• Formulating and developing automotive coatings, paints and related chemical products.
• Developing and modifying formulations to meet customer specifications and performance requirements.
• Selecting and evaluating raw materials and assessing their impact on product performance and stability.
• Carrying out laboratory testing, product evaluation and performance testing.
• Conducting stability testing and quality checks to ensure consistency and product performance.
• Developing and validating test methods in line with customer requirements and relevant legislation.
• Applying coatings and assessing their performance under different conditions.
• Carrying out product trials within the laboratory and at customer sites.
• Investigating formulation or product performance issues and supporting technical problem solving.
• Preparing technical reports, test results and product development documentation.
• Supporting the transition of new and improved formulations into production.
• Providing technical support to the production team during manufacturing scale-up, trials and troubleshooting.
• Working closely with customers, production and other technical teams to resolve issues and deliver product improvements.
• Ensuring laboratory and development activities comply with health, safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, standards and technical developments within the coatings industry.

We are looking for a practical and technically minded chemist who enjoys working across both laboratory development and real-world product applications.

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific/technical discipline.
• Experience or a strong understanding of coatings technology, formulation or chemical product development.
• Practical laboratory experience involving formulation, testing or product development.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to testing and problem solving.
• Ability to interpret technical data and produce clear technical documentation.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to work with production teams and customers.
• A hands-on approach and willingness to get involved across the full product development process.

• Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:
• Automotive coatings / automotive paints
• Industrial coatings
• Paint formulation
• Coatings formulation
• Primer, basecoat or clearcoat development
• Polymer or resin chemistry
• Surface coatings
• Chemical product development
• Laboratory testing and performance evaluation
• Coating application/testing
• Product trials
• Manufacturing scale-up
• Technical support within a manufacturing environment
• Customer-facing technical support

Previous experience within a small or specialist manufacturing business would also be beneficial, as the role requires someone who is comfortable being hands-on and supporting a wide range of activities when required.

Above all, you will be a self-motivated, practical and hands-on Development Chemist who enjoys solving technical problems and seeing products progress from laboratory development through to production and customer application.

You should be comfortable working in a small team where responsibilities can vary from day to day, and where your technical input can have a direct impact on product quality, development and customer satisfaction.

If you are currently working as a Development Chemist, Formulation Chemist, Coatings…