Junior Analytical Chemist

Reporting to: Analytical Chemist

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 a Junior Analytical Chemist to join our Nottingham laboratory team and support the analysis and characterisation of materials produced through Nova Biochem’s depolymerisation process.

Working closely with our Analytical Chemist and wider technical and R&D teams, you will support routine sample preparation, laboratory analysis and data recording, while developing hands-on experience with a range of analytical techniques and equipment.

This is an opportunity for someone early in their chemistry career to build practical analytical experience within a growing climate-tech company and contribute directly to the development and scale-up of new sustainable chemistry.

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 and process samples from Nova’s depolymerisation and separation processes for analysis.

·        Support routine analysis using techniques including GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID, HPLC and related methods.

·        Prepare solutions, solvents and other materials required for laboratory testing.

·        Record experimental conditions, results and observations accurately and consistently.

·        Follow established analytical methods, laboratory procedures and sample-handling protocols.

·        Support routine cleaning, preparation and basic upkeep of analytical equipment and laboratory workspaces.

·        Identify unusual results, equipment behaviour or other issues and raise these with the Analytical Chemist or wider technical team.

·        Assist with general laboratory organisation, stock management and preparation of consumables.

·        Follow laboratory safety procedures and best practices for chemical handling.

·        Work collaboratively with the analytical, depolymerisation and separation teams to support ongoing R&D and product validation activities.

Who You Are

You are organised, careful and curious, with a genuine interest in practical chemistry and laboratory work.

You enjoy working methodically and understand the importance of accuracy when preparing samples, following procedures and recording results. You have excellent attention to detail, follow procedures carefully, and understand the importance of consistency in sample preparation, analysis and record-keeping. You are observant and able to recognise when results or laboratory conditions do not look as expected, raising issues appropriately and helping maintain high standards across the lab.

You will be comfortable working in a small, fast-moving environment where priorities can evolve and where collaboration, reliability and a willingness to learn are highly valued.

Essential Skills / Experience

·        Practical experience with sample preparation, wet chemistry and routine laboratory procedures.

·        Familiarity with analytical techniques such as GC-MS, GPC, GC-FID or HPLC.

·        Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to laboratory work.

·        Good record-keeping and documentation habits, with an understanding of the importance of traceable and reliable data.

·        Comfortable handling chemicals safely and following established laboratory procedures and protocols.

·        Able to work independently on defined tasks while collaborating effectively within a small technical team.

Desirable Skills / Experience

·        Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent practical training in chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering or a related discipline.

·        1–2 years’ experience in an industrial chemistry, analytical, materials or process development environment.

·        Hands-on experience using chromatography or other analytical instrumentation.

·        Exposure to biomass-derived materials, polymers or other complex chemical samples.

·        Experience working in a pilot-scale, process development or manufacturing-linked laboratory.

·        Basic understanding of QA/QC principles, instrument calibration or laboratory data management.

Why Join Us?

At Nova Biochem, you’ll join a small, ambitious team translating breakthrough science into real-world impact.

You’ll have the opportunity to build hands-on analytical experience, work with novel process technology and contribute directly to R&D, product validation and future scale-up.

If you’re motivated by practical chemistry, precision and the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable chemical industry, we’d love to hear from you.