Location: Timsbury, Hampshire, UK. SO51 0NU
Salary Range: £45-60k depending on experience
Perks: Pension, Flexible Working Hours, Sick Pay, Stock Options, Cycle to Work Scheme, Free on-site Parking, Training, Course and Conference Attendance Opportunities, Health & Wellbeing Monitoring, Free Refreshments, Bidding Opportunities, Picturesque Rural Location Close to Romsey and Cities of Winchester, Salisbury & Southampton, Creativity & Ideas Exploration encouraged, Use of Facilities for Personal Projects outside of Normal Working Hours.
ESSENTIAL ASPECTS
* You must have at least a Masters Degree and 8+ years of relevant industrial research & development experience (outside of academia and government).
* You must hold a UK Passport (and/or be a UK National eligible for Security Clearance)
* You must have your own transport and be able to commute to SO51 0NU on a daily basis – opportunities to work from home are limited in this role.
* Your CV must not be longer than two sides of A4. We like to keep things concise here at POLYCAT.
Job Overview
Synthetic Organic Chemist – Defence Systems
We are looking for a motivated, hands‑onand curious Synthetic Organic Chemist to support our R&D, testing and product development efforts. This role is ideal for an experienced lab chemist looking for a fresh challenge in a dynamic startup environment with the freedom to explore ideas, contribute tangibly to the success of the company, learn and grow in a very applied chemistry role.
We are looking for a thoughtful, friendly and self‑motivated individual to join our small team and take on a leading role in a range of interesting projects delivering enhanced capability to Military, Security and Civilian Response customer groups.
About POLYCAT
POLYCAT are a small company specialising in developing decontamination tools and other scientific and engineering‑based technologies and services for the defence, security and responder sectors. POLYCAT’s patent‑pending flagship technology relates to powder formulations for the catalytic detoxification of hazardous liquid chemicals, and a variety of delivery systems for a range of scenarios and end user groups. However, our remit is far more diverse, and you will be joining a growing team with an excellent reputation, expanding contacts and networks, a successful history of winning bids and contracts, broad interests, skills and an open mind as to where the future takes us. With a lean, highly collaborative team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead projects and grow alongside other senior scientists and engineers.
Why Join Us
* Work on cutting‑edge defence science projects that directly support national security and enhance capability.
* Be part of a collaborative, high‑performing technical team, supporting a niche and interesting customer group.
* Opportunities for professional growth, training, and career development.
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
* Friendly, flexible and collaborative work environment where ideas can flourish.
* Opportunities to travel and grow the network.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, plan, and execute complex organic chemistry experiments both independently and as part of a team.
* Perform purification, characterisation, and analysis of compounds before and after experiments (e.g. using NMR, HPLC, GCMS etc).
* Collaborate closely with team members and other collaborators, including small companies in our network (e.g. to develop scalable processes).
* Support and oversee general lab operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, record keeping risk assessment and ensuring safety compliance.
* Help develop and maintain essential technical documentation, user guides and other records (e.g. chemical inventories).
* Develop ideas into bids.
* Maintain detailed and accurate lab notebooks.
* Write concise technical reports.
* Present results to a diverse audience.
Qualifications
* Minimum Batchelors AND Postgraduate degree in Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
Essential skills / experience
* An awareness of material compatibilities with harsh chemicals and solvents.
* A willingness to support lab and field trials, testing, validation and training with our products.
* Experience writing technical reports and presenting results.
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent communication and listening skills and a willingness to collaborate.
* Good problem solving & analytical skills.
* Eligibility to obtain security clearance if required (e.g. UK NATIONAL).
* Experience with / knowledge of scale‑up or process chemistry.
* Experience in / knowledge of the chemistry of textiles (e.g. fabric dyeing chemistry).
* Extensive analytical chemistry experience.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a concise covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to info@polycat.co.uk with the subject line: Synthetic Chemist Application.
Timeline
Sift: Monday 22 nd June 2026.
Telephone Interviews with candidates: Late June.
In‑person Interviews with candidates: Late June / Early July.
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