Based at the pilot plant site at Melton Mowbray, the Lab Supervisor will have day-to-day responsibility for leading a small team of chemists to carry out R&D and QC analysis of samples from our pilot plant, kilo-scale reactor and downstream separation and purification equipment. Working with our Chief Chemist, you will support development of R&D plans and workload scheduling for the chemistry delivery team and manage safe and productive operation of the site laboratory.
Sonichem is a clean technology company based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. We have developed a sustainable, ultrasonic biorefining technology that transforms woody biomass, the by-product of forestry and agriculture, into high value biochemicals with a wide range of applications. After a period of intense R&D activity, we are now ready to scale up and commercialise our technology and we’re seeking a talented Laboratory Supervisor to join our growing team.
Based at the pilot plant site at Melton Mowbray, the Laboratory Supervisor will have day-to-day responsibility for leading a small team of chemists to carry out R&D and QC analysis of samples from our pilot plant, kilo-scale reactor and downstream separation and purification equipment. Working with our Chief Chemist, you will support development of R&D plans and workload scheduling for the chemistry delivery team and manage safe and productive operation of the site laboratory.
Reporting to the Chief Chemist, your main duties and responsibilities will be to:
- schedule workloads and work as part of the chemistry team to develop and deliver research plans and QC/analytical data
- support the development of other chemistry team members and the capabilities of the laboratory
- lead on all aspects of health and safety in the laboratory including COSHH and risk assessments
- lead on good data recording, calibration and SOPs
- manage training logs and equipment servicing and keep good records
- support the design of trial plans for current and future research and lead on data gathering, analysis and process optimisation
- accurately record all results, deviations and observations to support process development
- work with the Chief Chemist and Marketing Director to support development of robust pathways to commercialisation for Sonichem products
- work in an agile and flexible manner, responding to changing company and customer needs
- support other activities to grow and develop the company and its technology as appropriate
Person specification
- Experience of managing a laboratory, including leading on H&S requirements, data recording, GLP, facilities maintenance and equipment operation and troubleshooting
- Experience of leading a small team in a laboratory setting
- Qualified to PhD level in chemistry and/or with 2+ years’ experience of supporting the development and delivery of R&D plans
- Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry preferred
- Experience of lignocellulosic chemistry and/or biomass processing preferred but not essential
- Experience of carrying out trial procedures and using the results to solve problems and inform future research and scale-up.
- Self-starter, able to plan the time and resources of their team to achieve desired goals, whilst managing multiple projects over different timescales with minimal supervision
- Practical, active person with excellent problem-solving skills
- Confident at interacting with all levels of seniority both within the company and externally
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Confident at handling and recording large volumes of data
- Keen to learn new skills and support Bio-Sep to grow its business through access to accurate data
If this sounds like you and you share our vision of a sustainable future then apply now. Please send an email with a cover letter and your CV to andy@bio-sep.com
