LabMonkey4Hire

Focus on: Catapult - NCC and WMG

2012-03-15T19:26:00.003Z

The fourth part of this series looks at two more “partners” within the Technology Strategy Board’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult – both of which could offer opportunities for #chemjobs now and in the future.

National Composites Centre

Location: Bristol & Bath Science Park

Partners: University of Bristol

Jobs listed on their own job site.

Twitter: @NCCUKinfo

The NCC aims to “develop new technologies for the design and rapid manufacture of high-quality composite products”. It has a new facility on the Bristol and Bath science park, and also works with other regional composite sites, including the University of Bristol’s Advanced Composite Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS).

Relevant areas of research for chemists may include: composites design and structural analysis, materials engineering and testing, and quality.

The NCC currently has few vacancies available, although there are PhD studentships and research associates available on the ACCIS job site.

Warwick Manufacturing Group

Location: Warwick

Partners: University of Warwick

Jobs listed on jobs.ac.uk and the University of Warwick job site

Twitter: @wmgwarwick

The WMG is a well-established R&D group, supporting a range of industries. Within the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the WMG’s focus is on low carbon mobility. There are three research themes: lightweight product (advanced materials manufacture and performance), energy storage and management, and digital validation and verification.

The first theme builds on the WMG’s research experience in materials and manufacture – including ceramics, metals & alloys, polymers & composites, sustainable materials and materials characterization. For the second theme, there is a new facility planned for energy storage R&D which may provide further opportunities.

In total, the WMG has 450 people working on the Warwick campus, and they are currently recruiting research fellows.

Focus on: Catapult – NAMRC

2012-03-14T20:02:00.001Z

Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Location: Advanced Manufacturing Park (Sheffield/Rotherham) and labs at Manchester University

Partners: Manchester and Sheffield Universities, Rolls-Royce

Jobs advertised on the University of Sheffield job site and the University of Manchester job site

Twitter: @NuclearAMRC

The NAMRC aims to “improve capabilities and performance along the nuclear supply chain”. The NAMRC Laboratory in Manchester carries out proof-of-concept manufacturing research into new materials and processing, welding/joining and surface technology. The Sheffield-based NAMRC focuses on advanced manufacturing research on metals engineering, primarily for the manufacture of components for new nuclear power stations.

While it appears the majority of STEM opportunities at NAMRC are engineering-related, chemists may be suitably qualified for areas such as materials characterisation, component performance and materials research.

The NAMRC currently has no chemistry vacancies advertised (except possibly research associate roles in Manchester), but keep an eye on their active Twitter feed for updates.

Focus on: Catapult - AMRC

2012-03-13T18:44:00.001Z

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Location: Advanced Manufacturing Park (Sheffield/Rotherham)

Partners: University of Sheffield , Boeing

Jobs advertised on the University of Sheffield job site

Twitter: @TheAMRC

The AMRC has four research groups: machining, assembly, composite materials and structural testing, and “identifies, researches and resolves advanced manufacturing problems”, predominantly for the aerospace and other high-value industries.

The Composite Centre carries out advanced composite manufacturing R&D, including developing new carbon fibre composites and hybrids of metals and composites. New materials bring new challenges, and there is a strong technology focus on automated production, machining and curing technologies.

The Advanced Structural Testing Centre tests everything from samples of new materials to finished products. It has the capability to “physically validate research, analysis, material properties, components, sub assemblies, and full assemblies”, and is accredited by UKAS.

Research support is provided by a number of groups, including Microscopy (surface analysis), Metrology, and Quality (QMS, QA, Six Sigma).

The AMRC employs 180 researchers and engineers .

No chemistry vacancies currently advertised, but keep an eye on their active Twitter feed for updates.

Focus on: Catapult – CPI

2012-03-12T17:37:00.002Z

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) is the UK’s national innovation agency – a quango that reports to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. The TSB has created a series of Catapult centres – world-leading technology and innovation hubs – that provide businesses with access to facilities, equipment and expertise, while also conducting internal R&D.

The High Value Manufacturing Catapult was the first to open a few months ago, and is composed of seven “partners”. As these academic/industry collaborations grow, new science and engineering jobs should be created – indeed many are already advertised across the various partner and university job sites.

This week we’ll take a look at what opportunities there are for chemists at these sites, including links to their Twitter account and job page(s) so it’s easier to find any open positions.

Centre for Process Innovation

Location: Wilton & Sedgefield in the North East

Jobs advertised on their own job site

Twitter: @ukCPI

The CPI focuses on six key technologies: Industrial biotechnology, printable electronics, smart chemistry, anaerobic digestion, thermal technologies and sustainable engineering.

Chemists from a wide variety of backgrounds could find something of interest here – with process chem, biochem, biocatalysis, electrochem, materials, devices, physical chem and engineering all catered for.

Smart Chemistry uses a range of technologies in conjunction with scientific expertise to quickly develop new products and processes for clients. Facilities include a range of reactor types for continuous processing, emulsification, particle engineering and milling; and new reaction chemistries have also been developed. A 50L pilot plant is available for testing scale-up feasibility.

The National Industrial Biotechnology Facility allows the development and scale-up of bioprocesses from 1 to 10,000L, and case studies include the development of petrochemical substitutes and enzyme production.

The CPI has over 170 employees, including 45 PhDs.

Current vacancies include: laboratory printing scientist, mechanical engineer, anaerobic digestion process engineer and commercialisation manager.

5th March Jobroll

2012-03-05T18:36:00.000Z

Atypical chemistry jobs for those after something a bit different:

A manufacturer of solid propellants in the South Midlands is looking for a chemist (£35k) to research, develop and manufacture materials for use in high performance motors. Degree with good knowledge of polymer chemistry, moulding, extrusion and spraying required.

A proposal writer (£25-31k) is required in Sutton, Surrey to work with the fundraising team to develop proposals and project summaries. Background in science communication and experience of proposal writing and editorial or proof-reading desired.

An FMCG company based in Slough (Berks) is looking for a number of product innovation senior scientists (£34-44k). These product developers will “help shape the future of leading global brands”; project leaders and technologists are sought. Degree, experience in product development or technology, project management and creativity are required.

An agency has two near identical adverts for a pharmaceutical CRO/CMO in Cambridgeshire, for a medicinal research chemist (£26-36k) and materials chemist (£38k), to conduct research into solid-state chemistry. BSc, preferably with PhD in solid-state chemistry; experience in crystallisation and pharma experience advantageous.

29th Feb Jobroll

2012-02-29T20:54:00.000Z

Have experience in the pharmaceutical industry? Takeda Cambridge invites you to be a senior scientist working in medicinal chemistry. PhD and previous delivery of pre-clinical candidates desired.

Have experience in the pharmaceutical industry? Don’t be applying for this R&D chemist position in East Anglia. Your knowledge of reactive chemistry will “not be suitable for this role”, being as it involves process development and fractional distillation in the production of ingredients for food/flavour/fragrance/etc industries. Exposure to pilot plant, extraction technologies and project managements skills are, on the other hand, preferable.

Experience in personal or household care? With 2-3 years in formulation behind you and a good understanding of surfactant chemistry, there’s an opportunity to become a senior household chemist in Brixworth (Northants) (up to £30k).

No experience and just want to get away from it all? A degree in chemistry, flexibility and an ability to solve problems puts you in good stead to become an Antarctic atmosphere scientist (£21k+). The 18-month contract begins with training in Cambridge, followed by a year at the Halley or Rothera research stations. This could include studying the ozone hole, taking samples for studying pollution, or carrying out polar atmospheric chemistry research in the Clean Air Sector Lab.

27th Feb Jobroll

2012-02-27T19:45:00.001Z

An eclectic start to the week, where a dual degree may come in useful:

Knowledge exchange officer (£37-44k) at the University of Oxford. Transfer technologies and expertise in physics to industry and academic disciplines. Degree, with research experience in preferably both industry and academia.

Chemical engineer/chemist (£40-45k) in the South East for a global company of unspecified sector. Analyse complex chemical and physical interactions, use statistical software, design experiments and write results up for reports/publication. MSc or PhD with relevant experience including publication record or successful implementation at pilot/commercial scale.

Scientist (Drugs) (£26-31k) at South Wales Police. Working in the new Regional Scientific Investigational Unit in Bridgend, examine exhibits from crime scenes related to suspected drug abuse. Experienced forensic scientists sought.

Site chemist for npower in Fife. Play a key role in the mobilisation and commissioning of a biomass plant, being responsible for operational chemistry and environmental compliance (EHS). Degree, good knowledge of power plant chemistry and a range of EHS regulations is required.

Graduate technical sales (OTE £30k+) covering the South. Sell and support urethane-formulated systems used for adhesives and coatings, including product demos and trials. One day per week at HQ, with most of time spent at customer sites. Graduate – preferably including subjects in polymer/materials/coatings – with commercial or sales experience.

21st February: JM Jobs Special – Part 2

2012-02-21T20:46:00.002Z

After a slightly unanticipated break in ‘net access, here are a further selection of jobs still open at Johnson Matthey:

Two graduate scientists (£22.7-25.5k), to start a 2-year R&D development programme in October in the Process Technologies Division at Billingham (Teeside). After completing 3 placements in Product R&D, Technical Support and Manufacturing Support, the successful candidates join an R&D team for project work. Graduate or PhD with - or expecting - a 2:1 or above. Apply by 26^th Feb.

Speculative applications are welcomed for process development chemists, product development chemists, analytical and characterisation chemists and chemical engineers for opportunities that may arise throughout 2012 at the European Technology Centre based in Royston. Degree or PhD, with ability to undertake some international travel.

Two specific roles at Royston are open for a chemist in analytical development, and up to 6 materials scientists. The former will develop and validate analytical procedures for the quantification of metals, and requires a degree and working knowledge of ICP, statistics and best practices (inc ISO/IEC 17025). The latter will work on process improvement projects, production support and new product R&D in the Noble Metals Business Unit; and requires a 2:1 degree.

A speculative process operator role (12-month contract) is sought, to operate plant equipment in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and intermediates. While a degree is not typically required for this type of position, the perks of living in Edinburgh, working shifts (presumably with shift allowance), what looks like an excellent pension, subsidised canteen, discount gym membership, other local discounts, 28 days holiday and a free piece of fruit per day (!) make this a very attractive proposition.

Finally, for those taking their first step onto the chemistry career ladder:

A number of six-week summer placements are available at the Clitheroe (Lancs) site in various disciplines...

...and a 12-month assistant field engineer industrial placement (£15.5k) in Billingham is available for those studying a degree, starting in July. Using radioisotope techniques, the role includes conducting investigations on customer processes and equipment.

6th February: JM Jobs Special – Part 1

2012-02-06T20:06:00.001Z

A ray of hope shines through the snowy skies this week, with speciality chemical company Johnson Matthey currently advertising a wide range of scientific jobs on their careers site. A significant proportion are based at the UK Technology Centre in Sonning Common (Berks) and European Technology Centre in Roysten (Herts), and cover everything from summer placements through to experienced and specialised hires.

Today’s selection are from the former site, where free lunch at the on-site restaurant comes as one of the perks.

A research scientist (£26.5-27k) to prepare, characterise and test homo- and heterogeneous catalysts for conversion of biomass to chemicals. Relevant PhD or degree + industrial experience required; autoclave experience advantageous.

A catalyst scientist (£26.5-27k) - initially on a 2 year contract - in the Platinum Group Metal division. Working on light hydrocarbon catalysis, including dehydrogenation, selective oxidation and steam reforming. Relevant PhD or degree + industrial experience required, with significant amount of experience synthesising, characterising and testing catalysts.

A technical officer – initially on a 1 year contract – to join the Platinum Group Metal Applications Group. Working on developing low temperature gas phase heterogenous catalysts for use in consumer applications. Good degree required, with experience in GC.

Two more specialised positions:

The Catalyst and Materials Group seeks a glass scientist on a 1 year contract to prepare glass frit compositions. PhD or equivalent, with relevant experience (!)

A research scientist in electrochemistry (£23-25k) initially on a 1 year contract to focus on catalyst, electrode and cell-design challenges related to electro-synthesis and fuel cell technology. First degree with knowledge of electrochemistry required.

More JM jobs coming up later in the week....

AstraZeneca Job Cuts

2012-02-02T18:47:00.003Z

A year and a day after Pfizer announced the loss of thousands of R&D jobs in the UK, AstraZeneca today announced that they would be starting a new programme of restructuring which will impact around 7300 positions. Of these, 2200 will be in R&D – primarily from ending R&D at the Södertälje (Sweden) site, and closure of the Montreal (Canada) site. A further 1350 will be in Operations – which covers supply chain/manufacturing activities.

There are unofficial reports that while the majority of cuts are overseas, UK sites will not escape unscathed. The numbers suggested remain sizable – and official figures from the AZ press office will hopefully be published here shortly.

Most of the R&D restructure is being made in neuroscience – and AZ plan to create a “virtual” neuroscience unit of 40-50 scientists based in Boston (US) and Cambridge (UK). The latter location is mentioned in the press release as a neuroscience hub, and is where Pfizer established Neusentis last year to combine research in pain, sensory disorders and regenerative medicines.

Overall, the restructuring is expected to save $1.6bn/year. To increase shareholder value, AZ announced they would aim for net share repurchases of $4.5bn in 2012 – on top of the $5.6bn in 2011 – and the board has recommended an increase in dividend, increasing the full year dividend by 10%.

Good luck to everyone involved, and know that while this can be a difficult time, there are opportunities out there.

Finally, I'd recommend visiting Chemjobber, who blogs about chemistry news and job postings in the US. He’s also collating oral histories from those affected by chemical industry layoffs – these include advice regarding support, finances and job seeking experiences by real scientists that have been in the same position.

30th Jan Jobroll

2012-01-30T17:04:00.000Z

A selection of jobs for graduates and postdocs:

A synthetic chemistry technician (£23.5-26.5k) is sought by the University of Bristol to provide technical support with chemical synthesis and support analytical instrumentation for the School of Chemistry. Sounds like a good position to potentially gain a wide variety of additional skills, including hydrogenation, EHS, vendor collaboration, procurement and supervision. BSc and GC, LCMS experience required.

The Royal Society of Chemistry is advertising their graduate training scheme– presumably getting exposure and training across a range of functions, including publishing, education, science policy and promoting chemistry. Location not specified, but would imagine it’ll be Cambridge and/or London – sounds like a great opportunity.

Johnson & Johnson appear not to like direct linking to their job adverts, so to find the next one, navigate to their career site, and search on Experienced Professional > EMEA > UK > English – somewhere there should be the science & engineering graduate programme based in Inverness (ID-1101075). This is a two-year rotational programme working in various groups across R&D functional and support areas.

Astra Zeneca has two 2-year postdoc positions available in Cheshire. The first is for a synthetic organic chemist at their Alderley Park site to work on drug discovery programmes in a medicinal chemistry role. The second is for an organic chemist at the Macclesfield site , investigating C-H insertion techniques to develop novel aromatic fluorination processes.

27th Jan Jobroll

2012-01-27T17:21:00.000Z

A smattering of more traditional chemist roles to end the week:

Medicinal chemist (up to £31k) at the University of Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit, designing and synthesising pharmaceutical candidates. PhD with experience in biotech/pharma/CRO; academic drug discovery experience an advantage.

Medicinal chemist (£19-29k) working in the Discovery Alliances business group at a pharmaceutical company in Oxfordshire. Perform R&D chemistry experiments as part of a team, to develop novel small molecule drugs. Degree with industrial experience of small organic molecule synthesis.

Synthetic organic chemist at Peakdale Molecular in Kent. Posts continue to be available for temporary and permanent synthetic and medicinal chemists at the recently rebranded Discovery Park in Sandwich. This covers the drug lifecycle from medchem to developing a commercial process. A variety of experience levels are being considered.

Organic chemist (£24-35k) in Cambridgeshire for a technology development company. Working in the science and technology group, analyse and characterise chemicals and materials for new technologies. Requires Masters and/or PhD; preferably with experience in the areas of medical/commercial/FMCG, and knowledge of polymer materials, formulation, process or materials.

Development chemist (£40k) for a developer/manufacturer of “environmentally aware” printing inks in Yorkshire. Liase with sales colleagues and develop and test new products. Requires experience of conducting polymer based lab tests and managing suppliers.

Chemist (£20-30k) for a company specialising in precious metal recovery. Synthesis and application of novel materials to achieve this aim. PhD or equivalent industry experience required; synthetic organic chemistry, organometallics or solid-phase materials experience highly desired.

23rd Jan Jobroll

2012-01-23T19:50:00.002Z

If any jobs were designed to get students interested in chemistry, it would be these.

Flammability engineer - Co Down in N Ireland - working in the aerospace industry for a parts manufacturer and supplier to markets including the military. Research and develop state-of-the-art composite materials and see if they burn. Chemistry/Materials/Engineering degree; material development experience advantageous.

Chemist (£25k) – Worcestershire – for an engineering company that designs, develops and manufactures rocket motors for the missile sector (missiles have their own sector?!?!). QC testing of raws, intermediates and final products. Suit recently qualified graduate “seeking to develop their career in laboratory testing or rocketry.”

Process safety consultant (£30-80k) – Manchester – joining a team of risk management consultants at HFL Risk Services. Degree required with experience within a major hazard industry – either working in risk management or process/manufacturing/design environments. This may or may not have included heating things up in sealed glass TSU vessels to see when they explode.

Meat scientist (EUR32-56k) – Dublin, Ireland – for the Agriculture and Food Development Authority Teagasc. 18 month contract working on project “Meat Matrix” - turn away now if you want to avoid disappointment - developing statistical models for the future development of meat products. Degree essential, Food Science qualification advantageous.

19th Jan Jobroll

2012-01-19T18:58:00.001Z

A continuation of Monday’s Jobroll - industries and roles available to analysts (part 2 of 2)

Testing Labs

Analytical chemist (£26-35k) for an independent analytical company in London. Analyse samples from pharma, environmental, food/drink and chemical companies. Supervise staff with responsibility for routine analysis, method development/validation; and work with clients. BSc, experience in a contract testing lab and previous management responsibilities required.

Eqpt suppliers (applications development)

Applications chemist (£35k) for a company in the North West. Develop analytical methods in food/environment/oil/fine chemical samples matrices using LCMS and GCMS. Write reports for journals/presentations and partner with clients to establish a network. BSc and method development experience required.

Eqpt suppliers (new product development)

Research scientist for manufacturer and supplier of chromatography consumables in the North West. Execute synthetic activities and testing for the development of new and improved product portfolio. Keep up to date with HPLC, GC and MS technology. Requires PhD in analytical chemistry, knowledge of organic and coating science, and ISO9000 quality procedures.

Environment

6-month minimum contract for an environmental analyst (£23k) in E Mids. Routine analysis using inorganic techniques such as ICP, AAS, pH, turbidity, and chromatography. BSc and industrial experience required.

Twitter Tuesday

2012-01-17T17:00:00.001Z

A new occasional feature covering items of interest from the Twittersphere:

@MonsterCareers shares 51 job search tactics. Worth reviewing to see if there are one or two new ones to try. A key couple for active job seekers include “Prepare and practice your elevator speech” and read articles about best resume practice – chances are your CV format used 5-10 years ago is no longer appropriate!

@stephaniekays links to a Washington Post article examining the unemployment rates of US college graduates. It contains a nice graphic breaking this down by both subject and age group. Recent college graduates (aged 22-26) in “science-life/physical” subjects had a close-to-median unemployment rate of 7-8%. This drops to 2-2.5% for graduate degree holders (age 30-54) – relatively low compared to their peers. Interesting to compare this data with that from the UK Prospects figures, visualised here – similar trends are observed, but IT and engineering graduates appear to have relatively better employment prospects in the US when compared to other subjects.

@chemjobber covers the Wall Street Journal’s neat visualisation of recent data released by the Bureau of Labor in the US... which shows an almost doubling of the chemist and material scientist unemployment rate to 6.1% in 2011. Ouch.

@hecsu comments on the recently published High Fliers report into graduate vacancies and starting salaries at the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers. The stats for chemist employers are woeful, but more details on this to come...

@Sulfur_Blue – Not job-related, but a really nice compilation of periodic table designs to brighten your day

Shell site closure

2012-01-16T18:14:00.002Z

Just over two weeks into the year, and the first large round of chemistry job cuts have been announced in the UK. The Guardian broke the news yesterday that the Shell Technology Centre in Thornton, Cheshire, will be closed in 2014, with the loss of around 280 jobs.

R&D efforts will instead be concentrated in Hamburg, Germany and other overseas sites. There could also be relocation of some staff to other UK sites, including London and Manchester.

Local newspaper the Chester Chronicle had already reported in May last year that the site was earmarked for closure, saying “Shell assembled the 500-strong workforce in a marquee on the car park ... to explain the shutting of the laboratory”. At the time, 200 jobs were thought to be at risk and “speculation is half the workforce will go within two years.” The latest announcement confirms the fate of those remaining.

A job advert from the archives of New Scientist indicates that the Thornton Research Centre (as it was known then) employed around 700 people in 1988. At the time, the advert was also able to specify the chemists, physicists and mechanical engineers be aged 24-30 – something unthinkable now.

According to the UK corporate website, the R&D centre “has a large community of scientists involved in a wide range of research projects, including technologies associated with fuels, lubricants, additives, engineering and the environment.” Good luck to you all.

16th Jan Jobroll

2012-01-16T17:17:00.000Z

In a change to the new publishing schedule implemented all of 2 weeks ago, the first Jobroll of the week finds itself moving from Tuesday to Monday. The reason? A new occasional slot is opening up which is Twitter-related – and of all of the days of the week “Twitter Tuesday” is the mostly phonetically pleasing... Tune in tomorrow to find out more!

While there are always a lot of analytical positions advertised on the job boards, this week seems to be a bumper one. Here are a few industries and role available to analysts (part 1 of 2):

Pharma (method development)

Analytical chemist (£26k) and Senior analytical chemist (£30-35k) for a CRO in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. Junior role: Develop and validate analytical methods to support drug development and manufacture. Experience with data management and range of analytical techniques. Senior role requires additional managerial and bench experience.

Pharma (solid dose)

Analytical chemist for Pharm Dev Services group at Covance in N Yorkshire. Perform a wide range of assays to measure the physicochemical properties of API and drug product (eg, stability, solubility, particle size). Range of backgrounds considered, GLP/GMP experience advantageous.

Pharma (QC)

Two QC analysts (£30k) and a QC supervisor (£50k) for contract manufacturer in Wiltshire. Junior role requires previous quality control experience in a GLP/GMP environment. Senior role will lead team of 10-15 QC analysts, manage budgets, audits, recruitment, and have relevant technical and supervisory experience.

Petrochemicals

Petrochemist (£23k) for a service lab based in the North West. Sampling and analysis of petrochemical samples for clients using range of techniques such as ICP-AES, AAS, flame photometry and chromatography. Method development and validation. Degree level chemistry with experience in a petrochemical or AKAS-accredited lab and relevant analytical techniques.

Agrochem (DMPK)

Senior HPLC analyst (£20-25k) for a DMPK department in the E Midlands. Analysis of agrochemical and biological samples, method development. 1 year HPLC or LCMS experience in a DMPK or eFate environment required.

12th Jan Jobroll

2012-01-12T06:44:00.000Z

A selection of non-orgchem jobs:

Chemistry trainee patent attorney for a London-based firm, with the opportunity of swift qualification. Degree and QM IP Cert with 6 months to 2 years’ experience required.

Patent examiner for the European Patent Office in Munich, The Hague and Berlin. Searching databases, analysing documents and protecting intellectual property for new inventions in Europe. Degree, and languages (fluency in one, understanding in two of English, French and German) required.

NMR applications specialist for Bruker. Support NMR users - by phone/email/site visits - and sales/applications colleagues, deliver training and demonstrate instruments. PhD with very good understanding of NMR techniques and instrumentation required.

Chemist for a testing laboratory in the North West. Rapid testing of oil additives and developing methods for non-routine analysis. BSc, preferably with experience in the oil industry.

Graduate scientist for the National Nuclear Laboratory in Cumbria. Working in the Reactor Operations Support group, analysing irradiated graphite and developing new experimental techniques. Recent graduate, PhD/relevant experience beneficial.