Job Title: Lead Formulation Chemist
Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire
Reports To: Director of Operations
Salary Range: £38k - £45k per annum
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About PheroSyn:
PheroSyn is a venture-backed Agri-Tech start-up based in Harpenden, developing insect pheromones as sustainable alternatives to traditional pesticides. Join us at PheroSyn as our Lead Formulation Chemist and be part of our mission to transform agricultural pest management through smart, eco-friendly solutions.
We are looking for a Lead Formulation Chemist to join our growing team and help drive innovation in green and formulation chemistry. This is a hands-on, lab-based role with leadership responsibilities, offering an opportunity to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.
About The Role:
As Lead Formulation Chemist, you’ll lead product development projects, mentor a small team of chemists, and collaborate across departments to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions. You’ll bring technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a collaborative mindset to support both R&D and commercial goals.
Key Responsibilities of the Lead Formulation Chemist:
* Project Oversight & Execution:
* Provide technical guidance/expertise on green chemistry, formulation and product development.
* Lead development, scale-up and troubleshooting activities, working closely with the Project Manager to ensure alignment with project timelines and budgets.
* Develop and refine new experimental protocols and lab processes.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant company, regulatory and safety standards.
* Leadership:
* Mentor and support the chemistry team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance and inclusive environment.
* Set clear objectives and monitor progress to ensure successful (R&D and commercial) project outcomes.
* Promote a culture of safety, innovation and continuous improvement.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration:
* Work closely with internal teams and external partners, from concept through to production.
* Provide technical support and insights to inform decision-making.
* Communicate technical progress, challenges and recommendations to senior leadership.
* Documentation & Reporting:
* Maintain accurate records and lab documentation in line with internal and regulatory standards.
* Prepare reports, presentations, and technical summaries for stakeholders and management, as required.
About You:
The ideal Lead Formulation Chemist candidate will have:
Qualifications & Experience:
* A PhD in Chemistry (or a closely related discipline) is strongly preferred, reflecting the advanced level of technical expertise needed. However, candidates with substantial relevant industrial experience are also encouraged to apply.
* Minimum of 3 years’ industrial experience of formulation, process development, and scale-up (Agri-Tech, pharma or chemical sectors) is favoured.
* Familiarity with sustainable, biodegradable or natural formulations is a plus.
* Experience leading and supporting a team as well as managing a laboratory and projects.
* Knowledge and application of green chemistry principles, IP, health & safety, regulatory compliance, & electronic lab notebooks (eLNs) is advantageous.
Skills & Attributes:
* Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide direction to the team.
* Confident problem-solving and communication abilities, with a results-oriented mindset.
* Comfortable handling workload independently in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
* Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-orientated approach to leadership, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
PheroSyn is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and strive to ensure fair and equitable hiring practices.
Application Process:
To apply: Please send your CV to emily.callard-langdon@pherosyn.com.
Application Deadline: 22nd August 2025
Final Interviews: expected to be held w/c 1st September
Start Date: ASAP
Please note: Due to current business requirements, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. As such, applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Thank you for your understanding. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received, so we encourage early submissions.