Development Chemist

Development Chemist - Coatings Job Type: Full-time, permanent Location: Clwyd, Wales, with regular UK customer visits Salary: Competitive and dependant on experience We are seeking a Development Chemist to join a busy technical team within the industrial coatings sector.

This Development Chemist position combines laboratory development with practical technical service, including customer trials, product testing and on-site support. The Development Chemist will act as a key link between the laboratory, production, sales and customers, helping to improve products, resolve technical issues and support successful application in real-world environments.

Day-to-day of the role Plan and carry out laboratory development work on new and existing industrial coatings. Prepare laboratory batches accurately and maintain clear, traceable records of formulations, raw materials, methods and results.

Test product properties such as viscosity, density, gloss, colour, opacity, drying, adhesion, hardness and application behaviour. Investigate technical issues raised by customers, production, quality control or sales, identifying likely root causes and corrective actions.

Prepare, label and organise customer samples and trial materials accurately and on time. Attend customer trials and site visits to support product set-up, application checks, troubleshooting and training. Work closely with field sales to understand customer requirements, support product selection and follow up on technical actions.

Assist with scale-up from laboratory development to production trial batches, supporting consistency and manufacturing performance. Produce concise technical notes, visit reports, trial summaries and investigation updates for internal and customer use.

Required Skills & Qualifications Practical experience in paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, chemicals, surface finishing or a closely related technical environment. Hands-on experience of laboratory work, product testing, application support or technical troubleshooting.

Ability to follow formulations and test methods accurately, observe differences and draw evidence-based conclusions. Strong communication skills, with confidence speaking to customers and explaining technical points clearly.

Organised and methodical approach to record keeping, reporting and managing priorities. Comfortable working across technical, production, quality and sales teams. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to customer sites regularly. Degree in Chemistry or a related discipline such as Polymer Sc...

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