Lead Applications Scientist

As a global leader in speciality chemicals, we continue to succeed and strengthen our delivery of innovative, sustainable and high-performance solutions. We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilise new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing market place. Our Applications teams play a key role in ensuring we are creating and developing optimum formulations for our new and existing product range utilising various test methods and conditions to meet our customer expectations., We currently have a vacancy for a Lead Applications Scientist working in the Personal Care business based in Widnes. The main function of the role is to apply technical knowledge and skills in evaluating products to meet the needs of the Hair Care market. This will involve performing a wide array of instrumental methods including common materials science tests and other industry specific methods using hair fibres as the substrate in addition to developing novel test methods to produce differentiated data for our new and existing hair care ingredients. You will also carry out statistical evaluation of the data produced to validate product claims which relate to the end consumer (e.g. conditioning, styling). Activities will include both shorter term customer focussed projects and longer-term new product development projects. Additional elements of the role will include regular contact with global technical hair care teams as well as giving clear and concise presentations to the commercial
teams, other internal research teams and external customers.

• You will be an innovative scientist and proactive, independent problem solver


• You should have strong interpersonal skills to enable you to build good working relationships both internally and externally to the business


• You will be an excellent team player but also work well independently


• Excellent planning and organisation skills with experience of working on projects simultaneously


• A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or similar scientific discipline or equivalent work experience is required with some laboratory experience being essential.


Desirables:

• Industrial experience or knowledge of Hair Care would be a distinct advantage.


• Background in applied/materials sciences would be useful but not essential.
  
  The successful candidate will receive a competitive benefits package including:


• Defined benefit pension scheme with death in service benefit


• 25 days paid holiday allowance (plus bank holidays)


• Private medical insurance


• Access to share plans


• Cycle to work scheme


• Car leasing scheme


• Retail platform benefits


• Free car parking on Croda sites


Our ideal person
As a business, it's really important to us that we find the best person for the job and that you have the best opportunity to succeed in the role. To help, we have outlined our expectations for the role and what core skills and experiences we require as well as what would make you an ideal fit. In turn, we hope this helps you evaluate if this is the right job for you.