Our client is a leading European manufacturer of coatings and polymer-based products. Due to expansions they are seeking an Inorganic Adhesives Chemist to formulate and test adhesives. Based at the UK manufacturing and research centre in the North West of England, you will liaise with European customers and colleagues.

Responsibilities

To assemble chemical strategies that help progress towards adhesives that allow electrical steel laminate sheets to be bonded without welding, bolting or interlocking in the laminated cores of electrical motors. Adhesives that can withstand a Stress Relief Annealing procedure and those do not require such treatments are both envisaged.
To formulate both organic and inorganic adhesives and to develop adhesives with magnetic properties.
To undertake practical laboratory work, including; sourcing raw materials, adhesive formulation, small scale adhesive manufacture and preparation of Technical Data Sheets. Application, cure and physical testing of adhesives, electrical resistance testing of adhesives, preparation of stress relief annealing samples, accurate record keeping, including lab books, correct preparation of samples & panels for evaluation. Writing internal reports.
Adjust formulation to take account of additions and losses or any out of specification measurements
Initiate analytical work, including; adhesive solids determination, digital imaging, rheology measurement, Glass Transition temperature, IR spectroscopy and UV spectroscopy. Can interpret the results independently.
Able to choose suitable raw materials to meet specification and manipulate formulations given in weights, volumes or percentages. Can source alternative RMs with equivalent properties.
Adjust performance into specification using additives, understanding the influence of temperature on properties, and which anticorrosive pigments should be used. Can supervise first batches of new products
Provide support including; Supervision of batches in production, investigation of production problems, finding re-work outlets for redundant paint.
Provide guidance, supervision and training to junior chemists and laboratory technicians.
Plan, organise and chair meetings with colleagues and suppliers.
Present results of laboratory experiments to customers under supervision
Communicate and liaise with Universities and testing bodies
Responsible for organising repairs and installation of equipment with Site Services
Keep up to date with new technology and raw materials by reading articles and journals
Evaluate new equipment,
Take part in pilot line trials and investigate customer complaints.
Maintain a clean and safe working environment through daily housekeeping inspections and adherence to 5S practices.
To be competent and fully compliant in the safe operation of equipment, including; general lab equipment & ovens, calibration of laboratory equipment, operation of accelerated weathering cabinets, operation of pilot line (with the appropriate training).

Candidate Profile

Educated to degree level in chemistry with industrial experience of working within a lab
Knowledge of basic principles of adhesive preparation, application and testing.
Strong knowledge of how raw material choice can impact on adhesive performance.
In depth knowledge of polymers and or inorganic glasses.
Drawdown skills and knowledge of how both time and temperature impact on cure
Aware of other techniques such as DMA, Tensile Testing, SEM, XPS and ToFSIMS
Aware of how uncertainties arise and how to manage them
To be fully competent in the use of IT systems and software including; Lotus Notes, Achiever databases, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint, “Safeware”
Capable of working to deadlines whilst adhering to quality requirements.
The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

In return our client is offering a competitive salary and benefits package with opportunity for career progression.

Whitehall is the Recruitment Specialist for the Chemical, Polymer, Coatings and Life Science based Industries.