Job Description
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.
This is a hands-on, fully laboratory-based role where you will be actively designing, developing, and validating analytical methods to support innovation, quality, and regulatory compliance at Synthomer.
We are specifically seeking candidates who are currently working in a lab-based role, developing analytical test methods, and who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time.
You’ll work closely with Innovation, Technical, and Application teams to deliver robust, harmonised analytical methodologies across the organisation.
📍 Important: This is an on-site role based in Harlow, requiring 5 days per
week in the laboratory.
✅ Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, optimise, and validate analytical test methods for innovation and routine analysis
Apply existing hands-on experience to create and implement new methodologies independently
Provide analytical support globally and collaborate cross-functionally
Ensure compliance with ISO standards and robust validation protocols
Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges and deliver clear, data-driven insights
Maintain, calibrate, and optimise laboratory instrumentation including:
GC / GC-MS (essential)
HPLC / LC-MS
FTIR
Train colleagues on newly developed methods and best practices
Drive continuous improvement using Lean Enterprise techniques
Maintain high laboratory safety standards and adhere to SHE requirements
🎓 What You’ll Bring
✅ Essential (Non-Negotiable Requirements)
Current laboratory-based role with hands-on analytical work
Proven experience developing analytical test methods (not just running established methods)
Strong practical experience with Gas or Liquid Chromatography (GC or HPLC) — essential
2–3 years’ experience in a similar analytical or testing environment
Ability to independently develop, validate, and troubleshoot methods
BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field
We are looking for someone who can contribute immediately, not a purely academic or theoretical profile.
🔬 Additional Technical Experience (Preferred)
GC‑MS / LC‑MS
Polymer characterisation techniques
Rheometry
FT‑IR
GPC (including viscometry, RI, and light scattering detectors)
Advanced sample preparation (SPME, thermal desorption, micro chamber)
🌟 Desirable
Experience working within an ISO 17025 environment
Understanding of polymer structure–property relationships
Experience applying DoE or Lean methodologies
📍 Location & Working Pattern
Based at Synthomer’s Harlow (UK) site
100% laboratory-based role
On-site 5 days per week (non-hybrid)
Candidates must be within a commutable distance
🚀 Why Join Synthomer?
At Synthomer, you’ll join a collaborative scientific team where your work directly impacts innovation and real-world applications. You’ll have the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise while contributing to meaningful global projects.
🌍 Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is supported to contribute their best.
✅ Summary (for clarity in shortlisting)
This role is ideal for someone who:
Is currently in a lab every day
Develops analytical methods as part of their role
Has hands-on GC or HPLC experience
Has 2–3 years’ relevant industry testing experience
Can step into the lab and start delivering quickly
🌍 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