Process Development Chemist

Works on or provides support to research projects that generate new products, processes and understanding of commercial value to JM whilst building fundamental understanding of the science involved. Works with guidance to a generally defined project plan; evidence of working independently within area of expertise typically with a daily/weekly focus. Graduate level with limited to some experience.

Job Description

Together for a cleaner, healthier world.

Johnson Matthey, a FTSE 250 organisation, is a global leader in sustainable technologies specialising in catalysis, precious metal products, chemicals and process technology.  With operations in over 30 countries, we employ more than 12,600 people.  We have more 200 years of success behind us; be part of the next stage of our growth journey and help maintain our reputation as one of the most admired organisations in our field. Our unique culture and people give us competitive advantage and will ensure our success for years to come. You can be part of that success story.

Job purpose

The Process Development Chemist is responsible for supporting development of new and existing products and processes across our West Deptford location. This role will primarily support the process safety function on site and undertake targeted development work for overall process improvement.

The role will utilize knowledge of specialized concepts in the areas of process development and safety testing, including the physical testing of chemical reactions and materials using calorimetry, performing desktop calculations/evaluations based on model compounds/processes, and analyzing data to assess the severity of known hazards. The incumbent will also help develop and implement improvements for process efficiency and sustainability that may result from the safety evaluations.

The role will support the Process Safety Risk Management (PSRM) team by contributing to reports through research, testing, and data analysis. The incumbent will be an active participant process hazard assessments (PHAs) or HAZOPs and contribute to incident investigations involving reactive chemistry throughout the site.

Principal accountabilities

• Devise and execute workable and commercially practical technical solutions for complex product and process challenges and concepts ensuring the accuracy of results and reports

• Supports the Process Safety Chemist in evaluating new and existing products and processes: help design studies to establish and quantify reaction hazards for mitigation

• Identify and validate improvements to processes that enhance process safety, cost, efficiency, and sustainability

• Performs process safety testing using techniques such as reaction calorimetry (EasyMax/OptiMax), DSC, TGA, etc.

• Analyses and interprets data generated from testing and provides safety assessments and practical suggestions for improvements

• Documents scientific procedures in a laboratory notebook

• Contributes to and actively participate in process hazard assessments (PHAs) to identify hazard scenarios

• Prepares reports summarizing safety testing data and recommendations

• Develops technical proficiency, thinks independently, exercises sound judgements that correspond with experience, and adheres to safe work practices

• Supports learning and best practice sharing across process safety for Organometallics within JM

• Takes on any other duties which are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed 

Requirements for the role:

• BS in Chemistry or equivalent with 1 – 3 years related experience

• Prior experience in process safety or process development preferred

• Ability to write clear and concise technical reports

• Experience with process safety techniques such as DSC, TSu, Reaction Calorimetry, ARC, and common analytical techniques such as: HPLC, GC, NMR, and TGA is preferred.

How you will be rewarded:

We offer competitive compensation and JM Elements benefits package including bonus, excellent pension contributions and 20 days annual leave (varies for shift- based roles). Our JM Elements Benefits programme helps our employees understand and manage the JM benefits, as well as helping you focus on your overall wellbeing – for you and your family.

We use our inspiring science and technology to enhance lives. For those who are passionate about sustainable solutions and shaping our markets, we offer stretch and a wealth of diverse opportunities.

We’ll give you freedom to bring your whole self to work and be part of a team where difference matters and all voices are heard, that genuinely care