Job Description
Process Development Chemist – Renewables / Biofuels – Scotland – Permanent
Our client is a leading force in renewable energy across the UK. At present, they are seeking a Process Development Chemist on a permanent basis at their site in Ayrshire, Scotland. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Process Development Chemist to support the scale up and delivery of major projects.
Responsibilities:
To use expert knowledge to chemistry and related fields to devise, plan and execute research programmes with the overall aim of making operations more efficient and/or reduce operational impacts. The Process Development Chemist will conduct and report on laboratory, Midi Plant and Full-Scale Plant trials.
Key Duties
Laboratory Experiments
– Develop and document experimental plans for improving performance in anaerobic digestion and associated activities.
– Operate lab scale anaerobic digestion test facilities (AMPTS and Continuous Reactors) for the measurement of biogas potential, digestate quality for various feedstocks under different operating conditions.
Midi and Plant Trials
– Assist in Midi and Plant Trials as required.
– Implementation of process improvement trials across the operational sites.
– Prepare Management of Change, Risk and COSHH assessments for Midi and Plant Trials as required
– Contribute to safe working environment by complying with written procedures e.g. risk and COSHH assessments.
– Development methods and procedures for trials at Midi and across operational sites, which will include trials of new technologies.
– Optimisation of existing site processes following successful trials.
Documentation:
– Write reports of laboratory, Midi and Plant Trials, including descriptions of test method and results, including cross-refencing to plant data or previous tests and analysing and interpreting data.
Safety
– Complete training on analytical techniques, company procedures, and HSE as tasked.
– Work in accordance with SOP s, COSHH and risk assessments and keep working areas clean
Other:
– Fully participate in innovation process by presenting improvements/innovations at scheduled meetings.
– Carry out experimental work at other company locations from time-to-time where on site investigations are required.
– Where required; collect, prepare and perform chemical analysis of effluent, process liquors, feedstock, sea water, carbon dioxide and biogas samples according to standard operating procedures, COSHH and Risk Assessment
– Analyse samples using advanced instrumental techniques including GC – MS, ICP, and Elemental Analyser.
– Perform analysis using basic techniques including colourimetric techniques, gravimetric, titrations etc.
– Complete training as tasked on analytical techniques, company procedures, HSE etc.
Experience & Qualifications:
Strong Laboratory work background.
Ability to collate data and produce meaningful & concise reports from data
Strong IT skills particularly Excel & use of ERP system or databases.
Ability to manage own time and prioritise workload accordingly
Ability to present complex scientific information to a non-scientific work group
Some experience of training non-scientific colleagues to understand data and reason for treatment of same.
Able to challenge established norms with a professional and fact driven approach
Ability to work independently.
First Degree in Biology, Chemistry; Biochemistry; Microbiology or similar.
Desirable: Masters in similar subject area.
