Scale-Up Chemist

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

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