Graduate Chemist
Role Type: Permanent
Reports To: Head of Technical, Research & Innovation
Key Relationships: Senior Leadership Team, Technical Research & Innovation Team, Manufacturing Team; Engineering & Projects Team; Commercial Team, Regulatory Bodies, Suppliers.
About Celtic Renewables
Celtic Renewables is widely regarded as one of the most innovative Biotech companies in Europe, having developed technology patent(s) for the conversion of biological residues into sustainable green chemicals. The process is an inspirational reinvention of a century old process known as the Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation, to bring this age-old fermentation back to the global scale. The green chemicals produced by this innovative process are highly sought after across a range of industries – from cosmetics, food flavourings, hygiene, pharmaceuticals through to use for biofuels. This pioneering company has completed construction of a state-of-the-art processing plant in Grangemouth, a historical exemplar plant for Scotland, and are operating at a commercial scale.
This first commercial plant is the launching pad for our ambitious international growth plans. The Grangemouth facility is the exemplar to building larger scale facilities across the UK and internationally. As they continue to grow, they are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented graduate to join their biotechnology manufacturing team at their facility in Grangemouth. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting the continuous development, optimisation, and control of our biotechnological ABE process.
Job Overview
This position is essential for ensuring product quality, process efficiency, and regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle and will help deliver the Company Vision “To be the World Leader in ABE Fermentation as a Global Sustainable Industry”. You will be a key member of the Technical Team who will safely and efficiently transfer knowledge from the laboratory, though plant development and commissioning to CRL group manufacturing facilities, and vice versa. On a day-to-day basis you will monitor and advise on process efficiency, and will work continually on process improvement/optimisation.
Key Accountabilities
Perform analytical testing of raw materials, intermediates, and final products using techniques such as HPLC, HS-GC, GC-FID & Karl Fischer titration.
Conduct stability studies to monitor critical quality and ensure consistency.
Develop, optimise, and validate analytical methods.
Support process development and scale-up activities by providing real-time data and contributing to process understanding.
You will support a culture within the team where safe and hygienic working practices are strictly followed, underpinned by the foundations of GMP and GLP, to ensure compliance with H&S, Environmental and other legal requirements. The processes that you will help develop, will ensure compliance to the CRL governance structure, and that Compliance, Quality and Cost are at the core of every decision.
Your expert knowledge of the applied ABE process will then help ensure the delivery of the overall relevant tactical plans with the aim of continually improving operational Compliance requirements, optimising Quality, Yield, Volume and Cost.
Analyse and interpret complex datasets, prepare technical reports, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
Collaborate with process engineers, scientists, and regulatory affairs to support product development and manufacturing.
You will work closely with the Commercial and Innovation teams to produce certification for current products and potential future products.
Role Responsibilities
You will develop an expert knowledge of the science behind our process, focussing on the practical application of the science.
You will develop and understand the chemical/biochemical processes integral to our process to enable troubleshooting, process optimisation and future development.
As routine, you will provide progress updates against assigned activity, and recommendations to CRL leadership, identifying opportunities, risks and any remedial action plans required.
Qualifications & Competencies for Success
BSc/MSc/PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
A strong foundation in both analytical and process chemistry.
Proficiency in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
Familiarity with Process Analytical Technology
Solid understanding of GMP, GLP, and other relevant quality standards.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
Strong communication and technical writing abilities.
Effectively work in cross-functional teams and fast-paced environments.
Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable to changing priorities.
Willingness to be hands-on and flexible across different scopes of work.
A natural interest in environmental sustainability.
Have the right to work in the UK.
Career Development Opportunities
Mentorship from experienced professionals.
Advancement to roles eg. Senior Chemist, Process Development Scientist, or Manufacturing Science and Technology Lead.
Opportunities to specialise in areas such as Continuous Improvement, Health & Safety or Regulatory Science.
Access to ongoing professional development and industry certifications.