Graduate R&D Chemist 2023

Fernox is a leading manufacturer of water treatment chemical products, central heating system filters, plumbing consumables and diagnostic testing services. Fernox has pioneered the development of energy efficient products both for traditional and renewable technology in residential and commercial applications.

The business is committed to a progressive Research and Development programme and has invested in an extensive in-house R&D team of scientists based in the UK. Its operating headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in the UK with its headquarters in Woking, Surrey.

It also has offices in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Hungary, People’s Republic of China and the US, with plans to expand further. Fernox operates as a subsidiary business of MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions, a global diversified producer of high technology specialty products and a provider of technical services, and is a business unit of Element Solutions Inc.

Element Solutions Inc is a leading specialty chemicals company whose businesses supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the products people use every day.

Under the direction of the Head of Chemistry, to undertake R&D work for new chemical product development of Fernox water treatment products within the central heating market.

Job Responsibilities

• Test existing formulations, new formulations, and competitor products according to Fernox Chemistry Work Instructions (CWIs)
• Create and document detailed testing reports and report conclusions
• Provide input into improving existing CWIs and creating new CWIs, where appropriate
• Ensure that these are documented within the MS Teams Database
• Undertake formulation testing of products, including stability, compatibility, and performance testing
• Update and maintain a database of competitor products within the residential and commercial heating sectors
• Evaluate non-metallic material compatibility with chemical products
• Operate and maintain a high-quality laboratory service in accordance with ISO 9001
• Develop an expertise regarding chemical products used in heating systems including, but not limited to, inhibitors, cleaners, antifreezes, heat transfer fluids, fluxes, solders and related equipment
• Provide input to the development of new product specifications and existing product improvements
• Provide laboratory support for Fernox field staff
• Assist with training and laboratory tours for staff and customers, where appropriate
• Assist with other lab and administrative duties

Requirements & Qualifications

The job holder should hold a degree in Chemistry (or equivalent work experience) with formulation or testing expertise knowledge.

Knowledge in any of the following areas is advantageous but not essential: corrosion inhibitors, cleaning agents (surfactants, wetting agents, dispersants), antifreezes, emulsions, pastes, putties.

Strong organisational skills, flexibility, and creativity, together with an analytical approach to problem solving are key requirements of the position holder. Excellent communication skills are required to communicate R&D results to a variety of audiences, including non-Chemists and customers.

Skills

• Experience is one or more of the following areas is required. Please state clearly which area you have expertise in, on your application.
• Inhibition and energy efficiencies – i.e. accelerated electrochemical testing (EIS, LPR), specific heat capacity, thermal conductivities.
• Cleaner and rheology technologies – i.e. surfactants, dispersants, wetting agents, emulsion/ paste stability.
• Strong organisational skills, flexibility, and creativity, together with an analytical approach to problem solving are key requirements of the position holder.
• Excellent communication skills are required to communicate R&D results to a variety of audiences, including non-Chemists and customers.
• The ability to communicate complex technical findings in a concise and easy to understand format is required.
• The incumbent must be comfortable with both working alone and on their own initiative, and within a small team in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
• Overcoming formulation issues, with a creative but methodical approach, will be a core feature of this role.
• Planning skills are needed to complete R&D activities and document findings effectively. The ability to communicate complex technical findings in a concise and easy to understand format is required.

EEO Statement

'Element Solutions Inc group of companies are E-Verify Companies and provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job applicant procedures. Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Veteran/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation'