Location: Hartlepool and Billingham
Department: Research and Development
Reports to: R&D Team Leader
Working Pattern: Full-time, site-based
Salary: Competitive
About Natara
Natara Global is an international manufacturer of flavour and fragrance ingredients,
supplying customers across the food, beverage, fragrance and consumer goods
industries.
Its North East manufacturing sites operate within highly regulated environments,
developing and producing specialist ingredients for customers across the UK and
internationally. Natara is continuing to invest in innovation, its people and its
manufacturing capabilities as the business grows.
The Opportunity
Natara Global is looking for a Project Chemist to join its Research and Development
team. Working alongside the wider innovation team, you will undertake laboratory research
focused on developing new products, processes and manufacturing techniques, as well
as improving existing products.
You will take projects from initial research and laboratory development through scale-
up and technology transfer, helping establish new products and processes within
manufacturing. You will also provide technical support to Production, Quality Control
and Quality Assurance when required. The role will involve working across Natara’s
Hartlepool and Billingham sites.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Development
• Research new processes, materials and techniques through literature reviews
and laboratory-based experimental work.
• Support the development of new products and improvements to existing
products and manufacturing processes.
• Plan and conduct laboratory trials safely, accurately and in line with agreed
project objectives.
• Scale up chemical reactions to the maximum appropriate laboratory scale.
• Analyse experimental results and use findings to guide further development
work.
• Maintain accurate, detailed and traceable laboratory records.
Scale-Up and Technology Transfer
• Prepare comprehensive technology transfer packs to support the introduction of
new products and processes into manufacturing.
• Translate laboratory research into practical and repeatable production
processes.
• Work with the Quality Control team to develop analytical methods for in-process
checks and final-product testing.
• Provide on-site technical support during development and scale-up trials within
the production plant.
• Help troubleshoot technical challenges arising during product or process
development.
Technical Support and Reporting
• Provide technical assistance to Production, Quality Control and Quality
Assurance teams when required.
• Prepare clear technical reports covering laboratory activities, project outcomes
and recommendations.
• Produce technical content for internal communication and publication where
appropriate.
• Communicate project progress, findings and potential issues to relevant
stakeholders.
• Manage multiple development activities and priorities effectively.
Safety, Quality and Housekeeping
• Follow all company Quality, Health and Safety and Environmental policies and
procedures.
• Promote high standards of safety, quality and environmental compliance.
• Maintain accurate records, data and samples in accordance with company
requirements.
• Follow good laboratory practice and maintain high standards of housekeeping.
• Ensure laboratory and office areas remain clean, organised and free from
spillages.
• Work flexibly across the R&D function and support other technical activities
where required.
Experience, Knowledge and Qualifications
• A BSc or MSc in Chemistry or a closely related subject.
• A broad understanding of modern organic chemistry.
• Good laboratory practice and confidence conducting practical experimental
work.
• At least one year of laboratory-based research and development experience
gained within an industrial or academic environment is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare clear technical
documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and time-management skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative
team.
Desirable
• Experience within the flavour, fragrance, specialty chemical or ingredients
sector.
• Experience translating laboratory research into manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of reaction scale-up and technology-transfer processes.
• Experience supporting production or plant-based development trials.
• Experience developing analytical methods in collaboration with Quality Control.
• Confidence managing several projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong technical writing and report-preparation skills.
Personal Attributes
• Curious and enthusiastic about scientific research and innovation.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
• Analytical, practical and solutions-focused.
• Highly organised, accurate and attentive to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable when priorities change.
• Confident building effective relationships with technical and operational teams.
• Collaborative and willing to support colleagues across the wider business.
• Dedicated, dependable and committed to delivering work to a high standard.
• Committed to continuous improvement, personal development and excellent
laboratory standards.
Natara Values
All employees are expected to demonstrate Natara’s values.
• We care.
• Be customer-focused.
• Raise the bar.
• Think and act as one team.
• Do the right thing.
• We deliver.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and cv to recruitment@natara-global.com