Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled and technically proficient chemistry lab technician to support the development of cutting-edge compounds for the Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography sector. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and hands-on experience in chromatographic purification methods, solvent separations, a strong safety mindset, and a collaborative working style. This role has primary responsibility for purification of materials, secondarily synthesis of novel molecules meticulous record-keeping, and clear communication with internal teams and external partners.  

Key Responsibilities

Lab Chemistry

• Collaborate within a team to purify materials, aid in optimisation in routes of synthesis for components of our molecular resist for EUV applications.
• Maintain COSHH compliance, monitor and keep inventory up to date and ordering new reagents, solvents and equipment as required.
• Packaging and shipping materials & formulations to collaborators and customers.
• Execute synthetic procedures using prescribed in-house protocols and innovative approaches as appropriate.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks to support patent filings and internal documentation.

Safety & Compliance

• Conduct thorough risk assessments for all experimental procedures.
• Ensure strict adherence to health and safety standards, especially when handling hazardous or flammable chemicals.
• Foster a culture of safety and maintain a clean and compliant laboratory environment.
• Prepare COSHH risk assessments and regular updates for project stakeholders.
• Understand COSHH legislation including MSDS classifications.

Technical Expertise

• Apply known organic chemistry strategies to purify materials.
• Use purification techniques such as, crystallisation, precipitation, phase separation and flash chromatography.
• Interpret analytical data from NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, HPLC, melting point apparatus, and other commonly used techniques to confirm product identity and purity.
• Use software tools such as ChemDraw/ChemDoodle, Chromeleon and web-based tools such as Reaxys, and Sci-Finder for structure drawing and literature research.
• Work with cross-functional teams to improve synthetic processes and increase efficiency.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of procedures, results, and deviations.
• Contribute to internal reports and technical documentation.

Key Requirements

• Experience working in organic chemistry laboratory
• Experience in purification of materials, using a column machine and running manual columns
• Experience interpreting analytical data (NMR spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry and others) and maintaining comprehensive lab notebooks.
• Experience in ordering chemicals and completing chemical risk assessments and familiarity with risk assessment protocols and safety documentation.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Onsite presence at IM Chemistry Lab located in Wolverhampton Science Park and in the future, South Birmingham.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented mindset.
• Effective communication skills in English; able to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.

Educational Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree (2:1 or above) in Chemistry, with a focus on organic and or polymer Chemistry.