Research Specialist

Impact Solutions is a UKAS accredited laboratory and innovation centre - we have a long consistent thread of innovation and new technology development within the areas of waste valorisation, recycling and sustainability, spanning over 20 years.

Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative new products and processes.

Impact Solutions has an exciting opportunity to join the Polymers and Advanced Materials innovations team within the Impact Technology Centre (ITC) based at the Kirkton Campus in Livingston.

The team is focused on the development of disruptive processes, products and IP under the umbrella of Polymers and Advanced Materials. These can range from delivery of new services to our customer base to spinning out and leading new companies.

We are looking for a talented and motivated individual with a strong scientific background in polymer chemistry to develop and support the growth of our innovations department.

The successful applicant must have a degree in chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with strong applied technical know-how. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and meticulous organisation.

**The core role**
- **Ensure Compliance**: Maintain consistent adherence to Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) protocols, quality standards, and best practices, ensuring full documentation for all activities.
- **Conduct laboratory experimental work**: Perform day-to day work in a professional lab environment, using your knowledge and training to develop and implement experimental protocols.
- **Collaborate with Team**: Work closely with the wider Innovations team, proactively communicating any issues, challenges, or potential problems to ensure timely resolution.
- **Document and Report Results**: Maintain clear, well-organized records of technical data, experimental methodologies, calculations, and software usage. Prepare comprehensive reports to present findings in a clear and concise format.
- **Data Interpretation**: Analyse and interpret test results autonomously, translating complex data into actionable insights and recommendations for internal teams or clients.
- **Problem-Solving & Solutions**: Identify and propose potential solutions to technical challenges, offering advice or recommendations when required or proactively initiating solutions.
- **Networking**: Build, maintain and exploit a network of relevant external stakeholders, customers, partners, research organisations and authorities. Help to represent the Innovations group and lobby for projects and future developments.
- **Time Management**: Demonstrate effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, ensuring laboratory operations remain on schedule.
- **Contribute**: You will be expected to contribute to roundtable sessions and be able to constructively discuss and express articulated ideas.
- **Motivated & Proactive**: A highly motivated, dynamic individual with a strong focus on achieving objectives and a keen attention to detail.
- **Laboratory Skills**: Experience in chemical synthesis, including core characterization techniques particularly of polymers and materials analysis.
- **Strong Communication & Teamwork**: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team and influence decision-making processes.
- **Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving**: Capable of making sound, reasoned judgments and presenting findings to a diverse audience with varying levels of expertise. You will be expected to present technical results and align your experimental planning with innovations strategy and business needs.
- **Organizational Skills**: Exceptional organizational abilities, with the capability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

**Applications should be made via Indeed with a CV and cover letter explaining your relevant experience and a proposal for developing the Innovations team.**

Pay: From £28,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: FG/SP/RSPAM/100124