Analytical Chemist in Oxford

Start Date: From Oct 2024

About us:

Seloxium Ltd. is a dynamic and diverse spin-out company from the University of Oxford. We are revolutionizing clean growth and the circular economy within the mining & refining sectors by selectively recovering high-value metals from in-process or effluent water streams. Our multi-patented ‘selective flocculation’ technology will change the way we mine, refine and process these metals, offering a greener and more sustainable solution to metallic resource recovery and reuse.

Among the dissolved species present in industrial process wastewaters and mine tailings, there are valuable and strategically important metals like gold, platinum, and rare-earth metals, which are difficult and costly to remove using current technology. In general, they are not effectively recovered, and instead discharged and lost to the environment as ‘sludge’. Seloxium is developing its SelectalTM range of technology to selectively extract, flocculate and recover a wide variety of these high-value metals from process or waste streams. ‘Aqua Mining’ of valuable metals from wastewater using SelectalTM not only combats environmental pollution but also turns process effluent treatment plants into 'resource recovery factories'.

For more information, please visit our website:

About the role:

As an analytical chemist, you will be responsible for performing routine and specialised tests, analysing the results, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all processes comply with regulatory standards. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work with complex instruments and software. In addition, Seloxium is a growing company and as such you will be able to contribute to all aspects of the business and be supported in any additional projects you wish to undertake.

This role would suit an individual with a strong background in chemistry, particularly in the areas of mineral analysis and polymer characterisation. The ideal candidate will have experience in both routine and advanced laboratory techniques, and the ability to work with complex instruments and data. You should be willing to mentor junior colleagues in a small team and be able communicate technical information effectively to individuals from other disciplines or from non-technical backgrounds.

Prerequisites:

Essential

• A postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc, etc.) in a relevant field (chemistry, analytical chemistry, functional polymer chemistry, environmental science, etc.).
• Excellent knowledge and working experience in method development and validation for organic and inorganic analytical techniques (ICP-OES, thermal analysis techniques, NMR, gel permeation chromatography, etc.)
• Working knowledge and experience of standard laboratory skills and techniques (e.g., solution prep and pipetting, data analysis, methodology development, etc.).
• Knowledge of routine equipment maintenance and experience maintaining relationships with external suppliers and technical support teams.
• Previous experience in an analytical laboratory setting.
• Experience in leading/mentoring junior team members.
• Understanding of COSHH and risk assessments in a laboratory setting.
• The ability to translate customer input into technically and economically feasible solutions.
• The ability to form good relationships with colleagues and be able to resolve conflicts considerately and professionally.

Desirable Skills

• Working knowledge of polymer chemistry, polymer analysis, wastewater treatment, or alternative flocculation technologies.
• Experience with selective metal separation technologies (Ion exchange, membranes, solvent extraction, and electrolysis) in an (analytical) manufacturing or environmental context.
• Experience in writing, reviewing, and improving standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Experience working in an SME/Start-up environment.

What we offer:

We are looking for a passionate innovator who is inspired by the sustainable and circular economy and wants to help build Seloxium into a green and profitable company that can make a real impact in achieving our goals. In turn, we are able to offer the following benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Private healthcare
• Minimum of 25 paid holidays + UK bank holidays
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous pension scheme
• Staff social events and away-days
• Cycle-to-work scheme.