Lab Technologist - (Materials Testing)

Lab Technologist (Materials Testing)

Abercorn Sinclair is delighted to support Biome Bioplastics in their search for a new Lab Technologist to join their development team based in Southampton.

The Company:

Biome Bioplastics, one of the UK's leading developers of intelligent, natural plastics, is on a mission to challenge the dominance of oil-based polymers and ultimately replace them entirely. With over 20 years of development activity, they have successfully created a range of high-performance, plant-based bioplastics that are both biodegradable and compostable. Their biopolymers are suitable for a wide range of applications, from short-life and disposable products to long-life, durable applications.

The Role:

As a Lab Technologist, you will report to the Technical Project Manager and play a pivotal role in materials testing for customer-focused projects involving the development of new polymers and materials. Additionally, you will work closely with the manufacturing facilities, providing support in quality assurance/audit and continuous product and production improvement. Your main responsibilities will include performing various tests, analysing results, generating comprehensive test reports, and drawing meaningful conclusions to guide appropriate actions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting a variety of polymer tests, including MFI, Mechanical testing, DSC, HDT/Vicat
• Analysing and reporting data internally and externally
• Writing reports for internal and external customers
• Managing day-to-day laboratory operations and workflow
• Overseeing the quality complaint system
• Responsible for managing customer, supplier and partner quality audits

Skills and Experience:

• Extensive experience in material testing, preferably within the polymer industry
• Demonstrable skills in data analysis and report writing
• Formal qualification and experience in polymer chemistry or polymer processing preferred but not essential
• Previous experience in quality audit management would be desirable
• Project management experience is beneficial but not essential

Person Profile:

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in a relevant technical discipline such as polymer chemistry or materials science, coupled with several years of industry experience. We are seeking innovative and dynamic individuals who possess natural problem-solving abilities, excel in teamwork, and are motivated to learn new skills and techniques. Attention to detail is a pre-requisite for this test and quality-focused role, as is the ability to manage your own time and workload effectively to meet project deliverables.

The Opportunity:

This is an amazing opportunity to join an exciting, forward-thinking company at the forefront of the biopolymers industry. You will play a critical role in developing new, sustainable products that reduce our reliance on traditional petroleum-derived plastics.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, contributory pension 6%/3% and 25 days + bank holidays, working week is based on 38 hours.

For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained partner, Keith Tocher at Abercorn Sinclair.

About Abercorn Sinclair:

Abercorn Sinclair is a specialist technical recruitment consultancy based in Edinburgh. We specialise in providing permanent, interim, and contract solutions across the science and technology sectors.