Lead Scientist

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The Company
Sappi Biotech UK is part of the Sappi Group, a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources and a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products. As part of the Group's ambition to construct biorefineries to convert pulping side-streams generated at our mills in South Africa, North America and Europe, the UK-based team are developing technologies to convert cellulose, sugars and lignin into high value products. More information can be found at: and

Location
Sappi Biotech UK, Wilton Centre, Redcar, North Yorkshire.
Please note that the location has limited access via public transport.

Position Description
We are looking for a Senior Chemist to join a small and friendly team at the Wilton Centre. This is a permanent position and would suit anyone with a strong interest in innovation. In this position you will:
• Design and lead technical development programmes and carry out high quality experimental work with a strong focus on safety.
• Analyse, manage and interpret experimental data, record and report findings and provide recommendations for further activities.
• Carry out analysis using a variety of techniques (HPLC, GC, GPC, FTIR), develop methods and use new techniques as required.
• Carry out and develop tests to assess the performance of existing or newly developed products in relevant commercial application areas.
• Work alone and in collaborative teams often involving scientists from other parts of the Sappi organisation.
• Work at laboratory scale and small pilot scale (up to 20L).
• Be involved in supplying data for process design of scale-up activities and support pilot plant activities at remote locations.
• Provide technical support in discussions with external technology providers and our commercial teams.
• Travel occasionally to Europe, South Africa and North America.

Qualifications & Experience
• Degree in chemistry (Masters or PhD) or analogous relevant experience in an industrial research laboratory.
• Preferably 5 years minimum working experience.
• Experience of using common laboratory analytical techniques.
• Knowledge of lignins and lignocellulosic side-streams would be an advantage

Profile
• You are passionate about innovation.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• You are self-motivated and well-organised.
• You work effectively as part of a multi-disciplined team.
• You are adaptable and versatile, happy to work in new areas or projects at short notice.
Benefits
In return for your expertise and innovation, we will provide you with;
• a competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, excluding public holidays
• Private health insurance
• free parking

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.