Process Operator / Technician

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 a Process Operator / Technician to run, maintain, and improve Nova’s supercritical water depolymerisation prototype - an essential part of our product development process. You’ll join a small founding lab crew (Depolymerisation, Analytics, Separation) and play a key role in running and keeping the system reliable, efficient, and well-maintained.

Your day-to-day work will involve preparing and processing biomass feedstock, operating the reactor and downstream systems, and performing steps such as acidification, filtration, and product recovery (typical batch size: 20 L). Part of the role involves maintaining the system, identifying wear or inefficiencies, and performing repairs, modifications, and upgrades that improve performance.

Your work will directly support R&D and product validation activities, helping to refine Nova’s depolymerisation technology and laying the groundwork for larger prototypes and future scale-up operations.

This is a hands-on, mechanically focused role for someone who enjoys understanding how equipment works, keeping it in top condition, and finding practical solutions to technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Process Operations

• Prepare biomass and feedstock for depolymerisation according to established procedures.
• Operate and monitor the depolymerisation prototype and associated systems to ensure smooth and consistent performance.
• Conduct downstream steps including filtration, phase separation, acidification, and product recovery.
• Record process data, materials used, and operational observations accurately.
• Identify and report process deviations, equipment issues, or procedural concerns.
• Ensure safe operation of high-pressure and high-temperature systems, following internal safety protocols and applicable regulations.

Equipment Maintenance & Improvement

• Take ownership of routine system upkeep and contribute to continuous improvement of prototype operation (high pressure tubing, pumps, instrumentation)
• Carry out routine inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of the depolymerisation and separation systems.
• Support equipment calibration and troubleshooting of pumps, valves, filters, and fittings etc.
• Assist in implementing process or equipment modifications to improve reliability, efficiency, or safety.
• Help maintain stock of consumables, spare parts, and safety materials.

Who You Are

You are a practical and methodical technician/engineer who takes pride in operating and maintaining equipment accurately and efficiently. You have a strong mechanical understanding and enjoy hands-on work, whether preparing materials, running the process, or keeping equipment in good condition.

You approach your work with care and consistency, taking responsibility for the systems you operate and maintaining high standards in everything you do. You are observant and dependable, able to recognise small changes or issues before they become problems, and you use your initiative to help improve reliability and workflow.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Experience operating or maintaining process equipment in an industrial, pilot-scale, or technical environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence working with pumps, valves, filters, and pressurised systems.
• High attention to detail with accurate record-keeping and documentation.
• Practical problem-solving skills focused on reliability, consistency, and quality.
• Comfortable handling process chemicals and working within defined procedures.
• Organised and self-driven, with the ability to manage routine tasks and respond effectively to operational needs.
• Clear communicator with a collaborative and dependable approach.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Experience with high-temperature or high-pressure systems (or supercritical fluids, especially supercritical water).
• Background in process, mechanical, or chemical engineering, or equivalent technical training.
• Familiarity with process documentation such as PFDs, P&IDs, or standard operating procedures.
• Experience contributing to process improvement, scale-up, or pilot plant operations.
• Interest in sustainable technologies and continuous learning.

Why Join Us?

At Nova Biochem, you’ll join a small, ambitious team translating breakthrough science into real-world impact. As part of our core operations team, your work will help ensure our depolymerisation prototype runs safely, reliably, and efficiently as we turn innovative chemistry into practical results.

You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with new technology, gain hands-on experience in process development, and see your efforts contribute to product validation and future scale-up. Every improvement you make and every process you help refine will move us closer to a more sustainable chemical industry.

If you’re motivated by purpose and excited to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.