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:  https://www.sappi.com/biomaterials  and  https://www.sappi.com/

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