Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled and technically proficient process Chemist 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 non-chromatographic purification methods, readying synthetic routes for medium volume manufacture, a strong safety mindset, and a collaborative working style. This role involves the synthesis of novel molecules, meticulous recordkeeping, and clear communication with internal teams and external partners.  

Key Responsibilities

Process Chemistry

• Collaborate within a team to design scalable routes of synthesis for components of our molecular resist for EUV applications.
• Investigate reaction kinetics, impurities, process variability and operational stability. Come up with recommendations to improve yield and purity and convert them into SOPs after securing buy-in from team members.
• Provide cost analysis of synthetic route viability.
• Execute synthetic procedures using both in-house protocols and innovative approaches.
• 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 core organic chemistry knowledge to design, follow, and adapt synthetic routes to achieve higher yield and purity.
• 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

• 3-5 years of experience working in process chemistry laboratory as part of a company or research institution.
• Strong understanding of industrial/process chemistry and scalable chemical operations
• Proven experience in scaling a multistep reaction sequence from grams to kilograms.  
• Proficiency in purification methods including recrystallisation, precipitation and column chromatography.
• Experience interpreting analytical data (NMR spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry and others) and maintaining comprehensive lab notebooks.
• 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 IM’s South Birmingham site.

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

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