Analytical Chemist

Reporting to: Lab manager

Salary:             To be negotiated, based on experience

Location:         Nottingham, UK

About Nova Biochem

Nova Biochem is a climate-tech company pioneering the transformation of industrial by-products into high-value, sustainable chemicals. Using our proprietary hydrothermal depolymerisation process, we convert lignin-rich residues from pulping and agriculture into renewable aromatic building blocks used in coatings, plastics, and resins - replacing fossil inputs and cutting emissions at the source.

Our mission is to unlock a circular, low-carbon model for industrial chemistry - creating new value from waste while reducing millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Based in Nottingham, we’re entering a scale-up phase, expanding lab and pilot operations, delivering a €7.5M EU-funded project, and laying the groundwork for commercialisation.

This is a pivotal moment to join a small, mission-driven team determined to reshape the chemical industry through practical innovation.

The Role

We are seeking an Analytical Chemist to support and refine Nova’s depolymerisation process through precise analysis and method development. You’ll join a small founding lab crew (Depolymerisation, Analytics, Separation) and play a key role in building Nova’s analytical capability and quality control framework.

You’ll prepare and analyse samples using techniques such as GC-MS, GPC, and related methods to assess process performance and characterise products. This includes developing and optimising analytical procedures to deepen understanding of chemical composition and physical properties, generating accurate, traceable data that underpins product consistency and future quality assurance.

Working closely with the depolymerisation and separation teams, you’ll interpret analytical results, provide feedback for process improvement, and ensure that all findings are clearly documented and reproducible.

This role suits a detail-oriented, methodical scientist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, careful observation, and problem-solving in a dynamic start-up environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, process, and analyse samples from the depolymerisation process.
• Operate and maintain analytical instruments (GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID, HPLC, and related systems).
• Develop, validate, and optimise analytical methods to characterise composition and performance.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy in sample handling, data collection, and reporting.
• Identify and report anomalies or deviations in results or equipment behaviour.
• Conduct bench-level chemical work such as solution preparation, solvent handling, and sample treatment as part of daily analytical activities.
• Contribute to developing Nova’s internal QA/QC framework and analytical protocols.
• Uphold best practices in laboratory safety, particularly around chemical handling and high-pressure systems.
• Help shape a culture of accuracy, integrity, and shared learning across the technical team.

Who You Are

You are a detail-oriented and methodical chemist who takes pride in producing reliable, accurate results. You notice small changes others might miss and use your observations to improve methods, uncover insights, and solve problems. You combine curiosity with a practical mindset, approaching challenges systematically and following through with precision.

You thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving lab environment and value teamwork, integrity, and clarity in your work. You are motivated by meaningful science that drives innovation toward a more sustainable chemical industry.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Practical laboratory experience in sample preparation, analysis, and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation such as GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID, or HPLC.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Comfortable performing wet chemistry techniques as part of sample preparation and analysis.
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to troubleshoot experimental issues.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a small, dynamic team.
• Motivation to contribute to sustainable, impact-driven science.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Experience developing or optimising analytical methods.
• Exposure to QA/QC or regulated laboratory environments.
• Experience working with polymeric or biomass-derived materials.
• Previous work in pilot-scale or R&D settings.
• Degree or equivalent experience in analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline (PhD welcome but not required).

Why Join Us?

At Nova Biochem, you’ll join a small, ambitious team translating breakthrough science into real-world impact. As part of our founding lab crew, your work will directly support the development and reliability of our analytical and process operations.

You’ll have the freedom to experiment, the tools to learn, and the opportunity to see your results contribute to improving how we measure, validate, and scale sustainable chemistry. Every method you refine and every insight you uncover will help strengthen the foundations of a cleaner, more circular chemical industry.

If you are driven by precision, curiosity, and purpose, and want to see your work make a tangible difference, we would love to hear from you.