KTP Associate - Analytical Chemist/Formulation Scientist for Product Development

We are seeking an enthusiastic and talented scientist for a 6 month contract to complete work to analyse CBD compounds and concentrations, that began under a KTP project.  This is a commercially focused collaboration between ADSL (Advanced Development & Safety Laboratories Limited) and the University of Plymouth.  You will be based at the University of Plymouth with periodic travel to ADSL near Paignton, Devon.

The Role:

This is a very interesting and challenging role for a qualified scientist to work on a joint project between ADSL and the University of Plymouth. The key objective of this role is to finalise and complete two work packages.  Firstly, to compare an analytical method developed on HPLC against a similar method on LC-MS.  Secondly, to develop an academic paper to summarise the new method and the findings of the comparison study. 

This is a commercially important piece of work that will bring this collaboration to a satisfactory conclusion and will generate important outputs. 

There may also be the opportunity for continued employment with ADSL upon successful completion of this project.

The Candidate:

You must meet with the following essential criteria:

• A good first degree with a minimum 2.1 (Hons) in Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology or similar. Please specify grade.
• A master’s degree, in a complementary discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of familiarity with analytical techniques, especially proven experience of HPLC, and an understanding of LC-MS.
• You will also have experience in designing modifying and optimising scientific methodologies and running experiments.

The following desirable criteria would be advantageous:

• A postgraduate qualification such as a PhD in a topic related to novel formulations, natural products, biotechnology for healthcare, or nanotechnology.
• An ability to apply those skills in a commercial environment to develop new methods and SOPs.
• Experience of new product development and innovation for the health, wellbeing and supplement markets particularly using emulsions and gels.
• Experience of working in industry with an understanding of legislation and regulation.
• Experience of developing training materials and scientific data sheets, and an ability to train others in the methods you have developed.
• Excellent communication skills to span all areas in the business and liaise with regulatory bodies and customers.
• Ideally you will an interest and enthusiasm for medicinal natural products and formulation into commercial products.
• Have the ability to contribute to new, and work within existing QA systems.

You will be highly numerate with well-developed statistical skills. You will need to be methodical and tenacious with a proven ability to lead a project from the scientific perspective, and work well within a team.

The Company:

Formed in 2008 and with full ISO 17025 accredited facilities, ADSL’s fully qualified, independent team of Chartered Chemists, Toxicologists, Microbiologists and Regulatory experts specialise in formulation and testing services within the cosmetic and household goods Industry. Their exceptional expertise and complementary skills in manufacturing, process controls, industry regulation, health and safety, marketing, and project management enable them to support customer every step of the way to see their product through to successful market launch.

University of Plymouth:

The University of Plymouth continues to succeed internationally and globally with our alumni present in over 100 countries contributing to economies and cultures through their chosen careers, while our research has global impact which influences policy, contributes to economic and cultural prosperity and transforms lives. The university’s origins are rooted in exploration and discovery and today plays a key role in the civic, cultural, social and economic life of Plymouth. You will be working with Professor Richard Handy, a leading expert on the safety of nano-enabled products, Dr Richard Billington, a very experienced biochemist with interests in natural products and Dr David Jenkins Associate Professor of Nanomaterials and Devices.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Prof. Richard Handy by email at [email protected] .

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 15th July 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 6 months, due to Funding, working 37 hours a week.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.  A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description