Job Title: Organic Chemist
Location: Timsbury, Hampshire, UK. SO51 0NU
Employment Type: Full-time,on site/in person
Salary Range: £30-40k depending on experience
Perks: Pension, Flexible Working Hours, Sick Pay, Stock Options, Cycle to Work Scheme, Free on-site Parking, Course and Conference Attendance Opportunities, Health & Wellbeing Monitoring, Free Refreshments, Bidding Opportunities, Picturesque Rural Location Close to Romsey and City of Southampton, Good Transport Links, Creativity & Ideas Exploration encouraged, Use of Facilities for Personal Projects outside of Normal Working Hours.
Job Overview
Organic Chemist – Defence Systems
We are looking for a motivated, hands-onand creative Organic Chemist to support our R&D and product development efforts. This role is ideal for an experienced lab chemist looking for a fresh challenge, or an early-career scientist eager to apply their organic chemistry skills in a dynamic startup environment with scope to explore ideas, contribute, learn and grow.
About PolyCAT
PolyCAT are a small company specialising in developing decontamination tools and other scientific and engineering-based technologies for the defence, security and responder sectors. PolyCAT's patent-pending flagship technology relates to powder formulations for the catalytic detoxification of toxic chemicals, and a variety of delivery systems for a variety 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, 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 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 work environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, plan, and execute organic chemistry experiments both independently and as part of a team.
* Perform purification, characterization, and analysis of compounds (e.g. using NMR, HPLC, GC, MS). Help and training will always be available.
* Maintain detailed and accurate lab notebooks and documentation.
* Collaborate closely with other team members (e.g. to develop scalable processes).
* Support lab operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, record keeping and ensuring safety compliance.
* Help develop and maintain essential technical documentation, user guides and other records (e.g. chemical inventories).
* Write concise technical reports.
* Present results to a diverse audience.
Qualifications
* Minimum Batchelors degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience post Chemistry A-level). Postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD) candidates also very welcome.
Essential skills / experience
* Experience working in a wet chemistry laboratory, safely handling a diverse range of chemicals.
* Academic or industrial experience in organic synthesis, synthetic methodology, or related laboratory techniques.
* Familiarity with purification techniques (e.g. column chromatography, distillation).
* Knowledge of green chemistry principles.
* Familiarity with computational tools (e.g. Chem Office).
* Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment and a willingness to wear multiple hats.
* Interest in the chemistry of textiles and the use of green chemistry to change the surface chemistry of textiles (e.g. make the surface water repellent).
· An understanding of materials 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).
Non-essential / desirable
* Experience with scale-up or process chemistry.
* Experience in the chemistry of textiles (e.g. fabric dyeing chemistry).
· Industrial experience.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a concise covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to with the subject line: Organic Chemist Application.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted or free food
* Employee stock ownership plan
* Employee stock purchase plan
* Flexitime
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Romsey SO51 0NU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 12/09/2025
Reference ID: PolyCAT Organic Chemist
Expected start date: 01/10/2025