Polymer Application Technician

Job Description

Polymer Application Technician
Lancashire
£23,000-£26,000 DOE

My client is an established chemical and polymer company based in the North West of England. Due to ongoing growth they are searching for two Mchem or MSc level polymer scientists to join their compounding and testing team.

The main responsibility of the role would be to carry out polymer compounding and testing. The role will involve processing a large amount of experimental data and detailed report writing.

Primary Responsibilities:
· Ensures safety in the work area by maintaining good housekeeping and always following relevant procedures.
· Run lab-scale polymer processing equipment (extruders, molds, etc.).
· Run gas chromatography, GC, HPLC, FTIR, DSC/TGA and polymer physical testing such as viscosity, colour, rheology etc.
· Perform non-routine maintenance and set up of laboratory instruments and equipment.
· Recognize and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform repairs or arrange for vendor or contractor repairs.
· Perform routine and non-routine test procedures including running controls, standards, perform calibrations, and participate in gage testing of analytical methods.

Required Skills and Abilities:
· Sound knowledge on polymer physics and chemistry.
· Good practical experience and theoretical understanding on polymer materials and polymer processing equipment.
· Hands on experience in injection molding machine, capable of trouble shooting, set up processing program for different plastic properties.
· General knowledge of chemical laboratory equipment and usage.
· Detailed knowledge of two or more analytical or technical areas (gas chromatography, HPLC, FTIR, chemical synthesis, lab-scale polymer processing, DSC/TGA, environmental testing, etc…)
· General knowledge of personal computer and office software. Experience in one programming language will be an asset.
· Must understand and apply scientific principles with an awareness of detail and accuracy.
· Good organizational skills. Good numeracy.
· Good communicator, both written and oral.

Other responsibilities depending on assignment may include:

· Run pilot-scale polymer processing equipment (extruders, molds, etc.).
· Run lab scale chemical synthesis reactions.
· Train other technicians on new equipment or procedures.
· Work with scientists and technicians at other sites on special projects.
· Work with people outside the company (vendors and customers) on special projects.

The successful applicant for this position will hold a BSc Materials Science, materials engineering, chemistry or physical science and ideally come from a MChem or MSc with experience of working with polymers either in project work, or in industry. Experience in a commercial polymer laboratory is a distinct advantage.

To be considered for this position please forward your CV to Brendan Rogers at PULSE Scientific