Pilot Plant / Laboratory Technician

Job Description:

Location: Duxford, Cambridge
Contract: 6‑Month Fixed Term Contract

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 hrs per day, 8-4pm but can be flexible on the start times
 

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated Laboratory Technician / Chemist to join our Process Development team on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract, providing essential support during a period of team absence.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in laboratory synthesis who enjoys hands‑on experimental work, problem‑solving, and working safely with chemicals. While you’ll collaborate closely with our Pilot Plant team, the focus of this role will be laboratory‑based activities, supporting new product introductions, troubleshooting production challenges, and delivering high‑quality experimental data.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory synthesis and testing to support product development and scale‑up activities.
• Reproduce and optimise lab trials, adjusting single process parameters for comparative studies.
• Prepare, maintain, and validate laboratory equipment.
• Accurately record experimental data and prepare clear reports for R&T and Quality teams.
• Support the introduction of new product developments, contributing to documents and reports needed for scale‑up.
• Handle hazardous chemicals safely and follow all Huntsman EHS procedures.
• Contribute to maintaining a high‑performance lab environment, including 5S and continuous improvement activities.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in chemical synthesis or hands‑on laboratory chemistry (industrial or academic).
• A qualification in Chemistry or Laboratory Science (A‑level, BTEC/NVQ3/HND, or equivalent).
• Strong awareness of safety when working with chemicals.
• Good teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience with epoxy or MMA‑based systems is an advantage but not essential.
• IT literacy, ideally including SAP and Microsoft Office.

Why Join Us?

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a global materials company, working alongside experienced chemists, technologists, and pilot plant colleagues on real‑world development projects. You’ll be contributing directly to new product launches and helping maintain continuity in a high‑performing team.

What we offer:

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, pension scheme, guaranteed annual payment, non-contractual bonus Scheme, free onsite parking.
• Health and Wellbeing: Private health insurance, access to online GP, mental health support and physiotherapy, Cycle to work scheme, free fruit.
• Family and Caregiving: Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity and adoption and shared parental leave.

• Training: Ongoing training, sitewide learning days, unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses.

About Us:

At Huntsman, we pride ourselves on being a people-oriented organisation. Our family-like atmosphere is cultivated by our diverse groups of team members around the world. We welcome the talent, experience and fresh ideas that employees at all stages of their careers, from interns to seasoned professionals, bring to Huntsman. In return, we offer you the opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic, industry-leading company, where safety and ethics always come first.

What next?

If you're interested, apply today.

Interviews: To be held in March 2026.

Additional Locations: