Technical Services Scientist, WO

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection. 

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

Arxada Wood Protection EMEA has an exciting opportunity for a Technical Services Scientist to join the Technical Services team in Manchester UK. This role encompasses both laboratory analysis and industrial application of our market leading preservative products. You will be part of a supportive and experienced team in our state-of-the-art facility. In this role you will support our internal and external customers through analysis of preservative products and treated articles to ensure treatment quality is achieved.  You will conduct “hands on” timber treatment trials using our bespoke treatment vessels in our brand-new industrial application laboratory. You will also take an active role in team and site safety to ensure work is conducted in accordance with internal EHS programmes and relevant legal requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Routine sample preparation, and subsequent analysis of timber and treatments solutions. 
• Use of analytical equipment such as XRF, HPLC, GC and MS as well as standard laboratory instruments/devices
• Conduct pilot scale timber treatments to support customers, product development and external certifications.
• Use of woodworking machinery such as mechanical saws to prepare timber for treatment and/or after treatment for analysis.
• Become responsible for arranging servicing and training on timber treatment equipment and wood processing machinery.
• Be the “GO TO” person for timber treatment requests.
• Ensure clear/accurate reporting of results and trends are provided in the agreed timeline or to a defined KPI and any delays are communicated in advance to manage the expectations of internal and external stakeholders.
• Preparation of technical protocols will be required to ensure a clear scope of testing is agreed.
• Use of Microsoft Office programmes such as Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint will be required.
• Attend regular progress meetings and present findings and recommendations.
• Perform all work in a safe manner in accordance with internal EHS programmes and relevant legal requirements. Undertake all required EHS training and take an active part in site safety initiatives such as safety auditing and team/site safety meetings.
• Prepare and review safety documentations to support activities such as COSHH assessments, Risk assessments and operating procedures.
• Ensure any changes to assessments or procedures are recorded and communicated.

Qualifications & Experience

• Preferred BSc in a science discipline or 3 years’ experience in the same or similar role.
• Preferred area of study: Chemistry
• Preferred previous industry experience: Laboratory based role in wood protection or similar.
• Proficient in analytical techniques such as HPLC/XRF/MS/GC.
• Experience in Laboratory safety
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office  
• Good organizational / planning skills and the ability to develop good working relationships. 
• Report writing excellence, with high attention to detail. 
• Confidence, with excellent communication skills at all levels, both verbal and written.
• Works well as part of a wider team.
• The ability to work under pressure, and to be flexible and adaptable.
• Self-motivated and with the commitment and determination to succeed.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE) meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace, and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.