R&D Chemist

Location: Baglan, Port Talbot, South Wales

Salary: £30,000 per annum (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Contract: Fixed-term, 2 years (with potential for extension)

Reports to: CEO / Technical Sales Director

Start date: 12th January 2026

About Hexigone Inhibitors Ltd

Hexigone Inhibitors is an award-winning company developing the next generation of smart, sustainable corrosion inhibitors for protective coatings. Our patented Intelli-ion technology enables manufacturers to replace toxic and resource-intensive chemicals with smarter alternatives that save on cost and carbon emissions.

We are a small but dynamic team based at the Baglan Energy Park in South Wales, exporting our innovative products to customers across the globe. As a growing start-up operating in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities, we are looking for a team member who are adaptable, initiative-taking, and can work autonomously to solve technical challenges.

Role Overview

We are seeking a talented R&D Chemist to support the technical exploitation of our RECOAT project – a UKRI-funded initiative transforming recycled ion-exchange resins into high-performance corrosion inhibitors. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, characterising, and validating new inhibitor formulations as well as supporting the technical sales process.

Key Responsibilities

· Conduct laboratory research to develop and optimise RECOAT's recycled corrosion inhibitor formulations, supporting scale-up from lab to pilot production.

· Perform material characterisation and processing trials (e.g. FTIR, TGA, SEM, milling, blending).

· Manage and report on salt spray and corrosion testing (ASTM B117, ISO for customers and internal validation.

· Record, analyse, and interpret experimental data in line with Hexigone's ISO 9001 quality standards, ensuring accurate documentation and traceability.

· Prepare technical data sheets, summaries, and reports for internal stakeholders and Innovate UK project milestones.

· Collaborate with internal teams and project partners to ensure product performance and market readiness.

· Present technical findings at trade shows, customer meetings, and dissemination events.

Essential Skills & Experience

· Degree (BSc/MSc/MChem/PhD) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.

· Experience with corrosion testing (e.g. salt spray, humidity testing) and coatings evaluation.

· Strong analytical skills and familiarity with characterisation techniques

· Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

· Excellent communication, organisation, and teamwork skills.

· The ability to manage own projects and complete them on time.

Desirable Skills

· Experience in industrial coatings, speciality chemicals, or materials R&D.

· Familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 systems.

· Experience with Innovate UK or collaborative R&D projects.

Benefits

· £30,000 annual salary.

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

· Pension contribution scheme.

· Dedicated coatings laboratory.

· Opportunity to contribute to a market-leading sustainability project with global impact.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a short covering letter to with the subject line: R&D Chemist – RECOAT Project (Your Name)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 24 months

Pay: £30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person