Research Scientist – Flow Chemistry (full time – 40hrs p/w)
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
About Vapourtec:
Vapourtec is an innovative company designing and manufacturing advanced laboratory equipment for flow chemistry research and chemical process development. Based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Vapourtec supplies leading research groups and companies worldwide with tools that enable chemists to develop safer, more efficient, and more sustainable chemical processes.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a Research Scientist to join our Research and Development team. The successful candidate will report to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and will play an important role in developing new applications for Vapourtec’s flow chemistry systems while supporting ongoing product development.
This role is partially laboratory based, working within Vapourtec’s well-equipped flow chemistry research and application support laboratory. It is a highly collaborative position with strong interaction across the product development team, applications team, and Vapourtec customers worldwide. We are looking for a motivated scientist with curiosity, practical laboratory skills, and an interest in developing new chemical methodologies using flow technology.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting research in Vapourtec’s flow chemistry laboratory to develop new reaction methodologies and application examples using Vapourtec equipment.
- Supporting the development and optimisation of continuous flow processes, including reaction screening, reaction optimisation, and scale-up studies.
- Contributing to the continued development of Vapourtec’s Peptide-Builder system, including:
- Development of improved synthesis protocols
- Evaluation of new resins, reagents, and reaction conditions
- Improving cycle times and reducing solvent and reagent usage
- Preparing application notes, technical reports, and demonstration data to showcase the capabilities of Vapourtec systems.
- Working closely with the R&D team on the development and testing of new instruments and reactor technologies.
- Providing applications support to Vapourtec customers worldwide.
- Demonstrating Vapourtec systems to prospective customers and collaborators.
- Attending and presenting at scientific conferences, workshops, and customer meetings where appropriate.
- Monitoring relevant developments in flow chemistry, organic synthesis, and chemical process technology.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
- PhD in organic chemistry, chemical synthesis, or peptide synthesis
- At least 3 years of hands-on post-doctoral research experience in peptide synthesis.
- Practical experience in reaction optimisation and synthetic method development.
- Experience operating analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, IR, LC-MS, or Raman spectroscopy.
- Strong experimental skills and a practical approach to laboratory work.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable:
- Experience in continuous flow chemistry or chemical process development.
- Experience in solid-phase synthesis or peptide chemistry.
- Interest in chemical engineering aspects of reaction systems, including mixing, temperature control, and residence time effects
Personal Attributes:
- Curious and innovative approach to scientific research.
- Strong problem-solving ability.
- Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
- Proactive and self-motivated with a desire to contribute to product innovation
Candidates must be eligible to, and hold all relevant finalised paperwork to live and work in the UK.
How To Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.