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Synthetic Organic Chemist

Employer
EPP
Location
Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian
Salary
Attractive salary, negotiable
Closing date
8 Dec 2022

Job Details

The position involves laboratory-based custom synthesis of a diverse range of organic compounds in support of our clients’ business aims in the agrochemical, veterinary and human pharmaceutical, and industrial fine chemical markets in the UK, continental Europe and elsewhere (e.g. US, Canada, China, India, Brazil). Your main place of work will be at EPP’s facility within the Bush Estate at EPP Environmental Centre, Penicuik, Midlothian.

EPP’s laboratories are well equipped with a full range of modern equipment and instrumentation for the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic compounds. For example, we have an extensive range of synthetic equipment extending to pressure vessels, photochemical reactors, and microwave reactors. Work-up of reactions is facilitated by automated Biotage purification systems extending to a Shimadzu semi-prep HPLC system. For analysis, several Thermo LC-MS and GC-MS systems, numerous Agilent HPLCs, Agilent GC, and Shimadzu FT-IR and UV spectrometers / spectrophotometers with professionally trained and experienced operators of such instrumentation to support the synthetic work. We have desktop access to computer search engines (e.g. Ready’s®) for researching and planning synthetic approaches.

The primary responsibilities of the position include the following activities:

Custom synthesis of novel or rare organic compounds, often involving synthetic route development, process optimisation (to meet quality specifications and/or scale up requirements) and manufacture on a gram (which is typical) up to kilogram scale (infrequent). Our synthesised compounds often are used as certified analytical reference standards of manufacturing impurities present in agrochemical, veterinary and human active ingredients, or associated metabolites (including cold-labelled variants) of such active ingredients.

Skills / experience required or desirable for the position:

A degree (or equivalent) in chemistry is required; an honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry with a significant element of practical synthetic organic chemistry, or a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, is preferred.
In-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical synthetic organic chemistry is required. Previous experience of the use of computer search engines (e.g. Reaxys®), pressure vessels, photochemical reactors, microwave reactors, automated Biotage purification and semi-prep HPLC systems is desirable. Sound working knowledge of analytical techniques associated with determining the outcomes of practical organic chemical experimentation (e.g. NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, FT-IR, UV), specifically concerning the interpretation of data from such techniques, is required. Experience of hands-on use of (Thermo) LC-MS and GC-MS systems, (Agilent) HPLC and GC instruments is desirable.

A high level of problem-solving skills and ability to complete work within tight client delivery deadlines is required.

A high level of verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills; organisational and time management skills is required.

The ability to assess risk in a laboratory setting, operate in a practical and safe manner to achieve experimental output in accord with commercial reality is required.

The ability to work efficiently and effectively independently, or as part of a small team (such as within the culture of our company), without deviation from agreed synthetic strategies is required.

Relevant experience, including management of other laboratory personnel, in a CRO or a small industrial R&D setting is desirable.

Salary: An attractive salary, negotiable and dependent on the level of demonstrated core skills, abilities, competences, and relevant experience is on offer.

EPP is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Applicants must apply by including a comprehensive CV and covering letter in Word or PDF format which fully indicates the applicant’s suitability for the position. Details of current salary, salary expectations, and indication of availability for work (e.g. minimum notice period if currently in employment), together with contact details of two referees, are to be provided in the application for the position. Referees will only be contacted after any conditional job offer is accepted. No agency applications please.


Applications to be sent to: Managing Director – Rosie Newlands e-mail using the APPLY button below

Company

EPP’s laboratories are well equipped with a full range of modern equipment and instrumentation for the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic compounds. For example, we have an extensive range of synthetic equipment extending to pressure vessels, photochemical reactors, and microwave reactors. Work-up of reactions is facilitated by automated Biotage purification systems extending to a Shimadzu semi-prep HPLC system. For analysis, several Thermo LC-MS and GC-MS systems, numerous Agilent HPLCs, Agilent GC, and Shimadzu FT-IR and UV spectrometers / spectrophotometers with professionally trained and experienced operators of such instrumentation to support the synthetic work. We have desktop access to computer search engines (e.g. Ready’s®) for researching and planning synthetic approaches.

Company info
Website
Location
GLENCORSE BUILDING
Pentlands Science Park
Bush Loan
Penicuik
Midlothian
EH26 0PZ
GB

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