Development Chemist (Formulation & Packaging)

Development Chemist require based in West Yorkshire on a permanent basis. Requiring a degree in Chemistry (or similar), with recent and extensive experience in formulating products such as lubricants, oils, greases, coatings (other aligned industries considered), as well as experience or a strong interest in packaging technology, product–package compatibility, or packaging sustainability.

Title: Development Chemist

Location: West Yorkshire

Salary: £32,000 - £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Term: Permanent

SRG are working with a leading manufacturing business within the speciality chemicals sector. They are now looking to hire a Development Chemist to join their R&D team in West Yorkshire. The successful candidate will join an established R&D laboratory team and play a key role in formulation, testing, and continuous improvement activities. Alongside core development chemistry responsibilities, this position has a strong interface with packaging, acting as a central technical contact for pack-format feasibility, product–package compatibility, and sustainability considerations during early-stage development. This role would suit a practical, curious chemist who enjoys problem-solving, collaborating across functions, and seeing products progress from concept through to manufacture.

Benefits: You will join a highly successful company, with an opportunity to make a great impact. 35 hours – Monday to Friday, with flexibility on start and finish times. 25 days holiday and plus bank holidays. Potential for an annual bonus and company pension scheme.

Role/Description

• Develop and optimise chemical formulations in the laboratory from initial concept through to scale-up readiness.
• Carry out laboratory testing using recognised industry standard and internal methods, ensuring robust documentation and data integrity.
• Interpret experimental data to assess performance and recommend formulation improvements.
• Act as a first point of contact for packaging-related technical queries, including material compatibility and pack-format selection.
• Provide input on packaging sustainability, recyclability, and regulatory considerations, including PPWR awareness.
• Support technical troubleshooting for existing products and liaise with external test houses where required.
• Contribute to technical reports, presentations, and project updates.
• Ensure all work is carried out in line with health, safety, and quality procedures, including COSHH and risk assessments.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory methods and ways of working.

Requirements

• Degree-level qualification (BSc or higher) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline
• Extensive practical laboratory experience in formulation or development chemistry within a materials, chemicals or speciality products environment (lubricants, oils, greases, coatings etc.)
• Some experience or strong interest in packaging technology, product–package compatibility, or packaging sustainability.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of laboratory HSE, quality, and documentation standards.

For more information please call Chris on 0161 667 1795.

Keywords: development, chemist, chemistry, formulation, formulating, NPD, new product development, lubricant, lubrication, metalworking, fluids, oils, R&D, research and development, grease, coatings, packaging, sustainability, recyclability, regulatory, PPWR, product-package compatibility.