Development Chemist (Mechanochemistry) - Fixed Term 12 Months (extendable)

About us
At FluoRok, we are reimagining how the world manufactures fluorochemicals. As an Oxford University spin-out backed by leading venture capital investors, we are developing breakthrough technologies that make the production of essential fluorinated materials safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.

Our innovations have the potential to transform supply chains that support battery technologies, healthcare, agriculture, and advanced materials, helping accelerate electrification while reducing the environmental footprint of chemical manufacturing.

Located at ARC Oxford, you'll work in a cutting-edge environment spanning both advanced R&D laboratories and pilot-scale production facilities. Joining FluoRok means becoming part of a fast-growing team tackling some of the most important challenges in sustainable industrial chemistry.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the journey of a venture-backed deep-tech company as it scales from scientific innovation to global industrial impact.

Overview

This is an initial 12-month fixed-term appointment, with a strong opportunity for extension based on project progress and performance.

The Development Chemist will be a target-oriented and self-driven scientist working at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology. As a member of our technical team, you will be responsible for contributing to the process development of our new, safe and disruptive fluorinating processes and scaling-up our technology. Working alongside world-class scientists, engineers, and business leaders, you'll help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to commercial reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply a range of synthetic and analytical methodologies to make industrially relevant, next generation synthesis of fluorinated compounds across a range of scales (up to kg scale)
• Tackle R&D and process development challenges and develop new routes to fluorochemicals using our latest technology.
• Design, execute, and analyse experimental work in inorganic and/or organic synthesis using mechanochemical equipment, including ball mills, extruders and related solid-state processing technologies.

Requirements

Essential

• Chemistry degree (BSc/MChem/MSc or equivalent) and 2+ years of relevant R&D experience
• Demonstrated experience in mechanochemistry, solid-state chemistry, or related processing technologies, gained in either an industrial or academic environment.
• Experience troubleshooting process development in an R&D setting.
• Hands-on experience with a ball mill.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Experience working at kilogram scale.
• Hands-on experience with other solid-state processing equipment.
• Experience in fluorine chemistry and inorganic synthesis

Benefits

Competitive salary £38,000 - £45,000 per annum

We offer a competitive benefits package with private pension, private health insurance, group life insurance and share options plan.