Graduate - Development Chemist (Adhesives)
About the Role
Are you a recent Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering graduate looking to launch your career in product development and innovation?
At IPS Adhesives, you'll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects from day one, helping to develop new adhesive technologies and improve existing products used by customers around the world. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated scientist with strong project management skills who enjoys problem-solving, experimentation, and working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Reporting to the Technical Manager (Europe), you'll play an important role in bringing new products from concept through to production, working closely with colleagues across R&D, Production, Quality, and Commercial teams.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Development Chemist, you'll:
- Lead and manage technical development projects, ensuring activities are planned, organised, and delivered to agreed deadlines.
- Develop and improve adhesive formulations, manufacturing processes, and testing methodologies.
- Research and evaluate new raw materials, technologies, and market trends to support innovation.
- Carry out laboratory testing to assess product performance, quality, stability, and application characteristics.
- Analyse and interpret experimental data to make informed technical recommendations.
- Present findings through technical reports and presentations tailored to different audiences.
- Support the scale-up of new products from the laboratory into manufacturing.
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Sales, and customers to solve technical challenges and drive continuous improvement.
- Recommend and implement improvements to testing methods, equipment, and laboratory processes.
- Ensure all work is completed safely and in compliance with quality, health, safety, and environmental standards.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- Strong project management and organisational skills, demonstrated through university projects, placements, internships, Year in Industry programmes, or employment.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to plan, prioritise, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- A proactive mindset with a willingness to learn and take ownership of projects.
Desirable
- Year in Industry, industrial placement, internship, or relevant laboratory experience.
- Experience within adhesives, coatings, polymers, composites, plastics, or related materials.
- Knowledge of formulation development, materials testing, or chemical manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with laboratory testing techniques and data analysis.
Skills
- Curiosity and passion for innovation.
- Strong attention to detail and a practical, hands-on approach.
- Confidence working both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.
- Adaptability and enthusiasm for learning new technologies and techniques.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.