Senior R&D Chemist - Lubricants
Leeds area

Elevation Recruitment Group are supporting a specialist organisation within the lubricants and specialty chemicals sector in the appointment of a Senior R&D Chemist.

Overview of the Role

This is a senior technical position focused on supporting R&D and product development activity within a specialist lubricants environment.

The role will suit an experienced chemist with strong lubricants and formulation knowledge who is looking to move beyond a predominantly laboratory-based position. You will provide technical expertise, guidance and support across R&D projects, working closely with laboratory, manufacturing, commercial and quality teams.

The position will involve reviewing and interpreting technical data, supporting formulation development and optimisation, helping to resolve technical challenges and providing input into new product development. You will act as a technical point of reference, helping to guide R&D activity and ensure projects progress effectively from development through to commercialisation.

There will still be an element of technical and laboratory involvement, but this is not a hands-on lab-focused role. The emphasis will be on technical oversight, problem solving, project support and applying your knowledge and experience to help drive R&D activity.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced R&D or formulation chemist with direct experience within the lubricants industry.

You will ideally have:

• Strong experience in lubricants, lubricant formulation or lubricant product development.
• Good knowledge of base oils, additives and lubricant formulation principles.
• Experience supporting R&D and product development projects.
• The ability to interpret laboratory data and translate findings into practical technical recommendations.
• Experience working with manufacturing, quality and/or commercial teams.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills and sound scientific judgement.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide technical guidance to others.
• A relevant Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or scientific degree.
• The confidence to work independently and take ownership of technical projects and issues.

Experience across areas such as industrial, automotive, hydraulic, gear, biodegradable or specialty lubricants would be highly advantageous.

What Is In It For You?

• The opportunity to take on a senior technical position within a specialist lubricants business.
• A role offering greater technical influence and ownership, rather than being solely focused on laboratory work.
• The opportunity to contribute to product development, formulation improvements and technical problem solving.
• Exposure to a broad range of R&D, manufacturing and commercial activity.
• The chance to use your existing lubricants expertise in a more strategic and influential capacity.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to develop your career within a technically focused and established organisation.

If you have a strong background in lubricants and are looking for a senior R&D position where you can apply your technical expertise beyond the laboratory, we would be keen to hear from you.