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Synthomer Overview
Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.
At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
🔬 Role Purpose
This role is ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys being in the lab — a minimum of four days per week on site — and wants to grow their technical capability within a fast-moving innovation environment.
You will independently plan and execute technical tasks within defined projects, applying your knowledge of chemistry (ideally polymers) to solve problems, generate meaningful data, and support wider business objectives. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Innovation, Operations, Commercial and Regulatory teams, building strong relationships and contributing to the development of new technologies and applications. A brand-new role supporting the continued growth of our team.
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🧪 Main Responsibilities
- Safety leadership — proactively identify, report and improve safety issues using established tools and systems; write and review safety documentation.
- Technical delivery — independently plan and execute experimental work packages within defined projects.
- Data analysis — analyse, interpret and present experimental, application or business data to support decision-making.
- Cross-functional support — provide technical input to operations and commercial teams when required.
- Knowledge development — maintain and expand expertise in relevant technical fields, especially polymer chemistry.
- Flexibility in Innovation — apply skills across synthesis, application testing and analytical work as needed.
- Collaboration — build strong working relationships within local technical, commercial and support teams.
🧩 Person Specification
Essential
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
- 1 year in industry preferred - could be placement year.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of key concepts, vocabulary and methodologies within your technical discipline.
- Hands-on experience executing bench-level laboratory work safely and accurately.
- Understanding of chemical hazards and safe handling practices.
- Ability to follow established processes (Project Management, Quality, etc.) and deliver work packages on time and in full.
- Strong communication skills — able to keep colleagues updated on progress, needs and timelines.
- Logical, fact-based problem-solving skills for well-defined technical challenges.
- Willingness to engage in structured and informal knowledge sharing.
- Awareness of how your work contributes to wider business goals.
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Desirable
- A genuine passion for lab-based work — someone who thrives in a hands-on environment.
- Interest or background in polymer chemistry, polymer synthesis, or polymer applications.
- Ability to quickly build networks across technical and commercial teams.
- Curiosity, initiative and a desire to grow within a scaling Innovation function.
🌍 Location & On-Site Requirement
This role is based at the Harlow laboratories, with a minimum of four days per week on site. Candidates should be local or able to relocate at pace.
🌍 Global Benefits Overview
- 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
- 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme
- 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
- 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
- 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
- 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
- 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
- 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
- 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
- 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
- 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
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