Laboratory Technician

Harlow, England, United Kingdom

4/3/2025

Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.

With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Purpose Of The Job

Carries out practical laboratory tasks to assist with new product development initiatives, customer inquiries, and application support for the Specialty Vinyl Polymers Business. Cultivates and utilises a solid understanding of specific application areas to ensure the successful execution of technical support activities. Operates with limited supervision as part of a team of technical professionals and maintains regular communication with different functions and stakeholders.

Main Accountabilities

• Shows a strong dedication to safety and health excellence by demonstrating proper behaviours, proactively addressing safety issues, and using available tools and systems to improve safety standards.
• Engages in hands-on laboratory work to support technical projects and customer service efforts, ensuring that deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Operates the PVC polymerisation pilot plant safely, generating dependable PVC data for stakeholders.
• May manage smaller technical projects with supervision.
• Efficiently and safely completes assigned tasks within the Applications Laboratory environment.
• Plays a key role in maintaining a clean and safe laboratory space.
• Prepares and analyses laboratory samples to support the growth of the SVP business.
• Keeps detailed records of laboratory activities, discusses results with the supervisor, and occasionally prepares reports.
• Develops and maintains a strong foundational knowledge of relevant polymer technologies and their applications.
  
  

Skills/Knowledge

• Shows a solid understanding of the terminology, principles, and techniques relevant to a specific technical field.
• Can grasp and apply established concepts within a technical area effectively.
• Possesses a fundamental awareness of industry norms and practices.
• Knows how to adhere to lab safety protocols to perform tasks safely.
• Recognises chemical hazards in their work environment and manages chemicals and waste appropriately.
• Has a basic awareness of Process Safety relevant to their work area.
• Capable of following existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Risk Assessments with little assistance.
• Fosters positive working relationships within the team.
• Treats colleagues with fairness and consistency.
• Earns the confidence and trust of peers.
• Welcomes constructive feedback regarding effectiveness and work styles and adjusts their approach accordingly.
• Keeps team members updated on their needs and ability to meet expectations.
• Can identify suitable solutions to clearly defined problems using logical reasoning and data-driven analysis.
• Evaluates ideas critically based on their technical viability and expertise in their field.
• Actively seeks input from both internal and external customers regarding issues and possible solutions.
  
  

Educational requirements: A solid educational background is essential, with a preference for A-level qualifications in Chemistry. Having prior experience in a laboratory setting would be beneficial.

Location and Travel requirements: Position is part of the Harlow (UK, Essex team). 5 days per week is required Monday – Friday as this is a largely lab-based role,

In Addition, We Offer a Highly Desirable Benefits Package

• Private health insurance
• Company bonus scheme
• Contributory pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Life insurance
• Support counselling
• Company social events throughout the year
  
  

At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business.

Why Synthomer?

We are ambitious!

We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.

We believe in high challenge, high support!

We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.

We personalize our approach to development!

At Synthomer, you won't find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We'll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.