Process Chemist – Materials Science Laboratory Technician

About the role

We are looking for a Process Chemist to join our Materials Science Laboratory team in Harpenden. You will support the scale‑up of sustainable carbon conversion technologies by running and optimizing laboratory and pilot‑scale experiments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensuring safe and efficient working practices.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, consumables and safety systems.
• Prepare, operate, monitor and clean chemical reactors and related process equipment.
• Support planning and delivery of experimental programmes alongside engineers and scientists.
• Collect, analyse and communicate experimental data to drive process development.
• Assist with installation, commissioning and modification of laboratory and pilot‑scale equipment.
• Operate analytical techniques such as gas chromatography and colourimetry.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues and implement improvements.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, including SOPs, risk assessments and COSHH records.

Required profile

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in laboratory or pilot‑scale chemical process operations.
• Experience developing and following SOPs within a chemical processing environment.
• Experience with laboratory automation and control systems.
• A chemistry‑related degree.
• Background in process development, advanced materials manufacturing or scale‑up activities.

Required skills

• Gas chromatography
• Colourimetry
• Laboratory automation and control systems
• Chemical reactor operation
• Process equipment troubleshooting