The Role
We are seeking a Scale-Up Chemist to bridge laboratory chemistry and industrial manufacturing as Vateris moves toward demonstration plant deployment.
The company is preparing to deliver a ~£15 million demonstration plant from Q4 2026 onwards, and this role will play a key part in translating laboratory chemistry into reliable industrial operation.
We are specifically looking for candidates with practical industrial scale-up experience and backgrounds closely aligned to process industries.
Responsibilities
* Support pilot and future demonstration plant operations
* Translate laboratory procedures into scalable industrial processes
* Troubleshoot process variability and operational issues
* Improve robustness, operability and process consistency
* Develop scalable operating procedures and QC methods
* Work closely with engineering and operations teams
* Support commissioning and scale-up activities
Requirements
* PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline from a top 5 UK university or equivalent leading European institution, or equivalent industrial experience in a highly relevant field
* Typically 5+ years of industrial experience in pilot plants, manufacturing or industrial scale-up environments
* Strong practical understanding of industrial chemical processes and plant operations
* Experience with slurry systems, precipitation, crystallisation, powder handling or related industrial processes
* Strong troubleshooting and operational problem-solving capability
* Comfortable working hands-on with industrial equipment and operations
* Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving and execution-focused environments
Highly Desirable
* Experience from specialty chemicals, industrial minerals, fertilisers, carbon capture, hydrometallurgy or related process industries
* Experience supporting plant commissioning, startup or process optimisation
* Experience working in startups or industrial scale-up companies