R&D Technician

Location Berkshire
Discipline: Coatings
Job type: Graduate / Postgraduate
Salary: £Up to 28,000
Contact name: Amber Alexander

Contact email: amber@merrittrecruitment.com
Job ref: 423
Published: 10 days ago
Startdate: ASAP

​Our client is a well-established global coatings manufacturer in the Berkshire area. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and customer delivery, the business supports a wide range of industries by developing and supplying high-performance formulations. As part of their continued growth, they are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic graduate to join their laboratory team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Chemistry graduate to gain hands-on industry experience, working alongside experienced scientists and engineers in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This role offers the chance to develop practical laboratory skills, gain exposure to formulation and testing processes, and build a strong technical foundation for a long-term career within the coatings and wider chemicals industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support scientists and engineers in the preparation and testing of coating formulations and chemical intermediates

  • Prepare formulations in line with internal guidelines and customer requirements, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail

  • Operate laboratory equipment and carry out routine testing following full training

  • Accurately record experimental data in laboratory notebooks, job sheets, and internal systems

  • Maintain a clean, organised, and safe laboratory working environment at all times

  • Follow written and verbal instructions to support ongoing laboratory and development activities

  • Assist in investigating and troubleshooting materials or results that fall outside expected parameters

  • Provide general technical support to internal teams where required

  • Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes and ways of working

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure timely and reliable delivery of results

Candidate Profile

  • Degree qualified in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline

  • Basic understanding of laboratory techniques

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately

  • Organised and methodical approach to work, particularly when recording data

  • Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team

  • Proactive, positive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop

  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.)

  • Willingness to work in a hands-on environment, including standing for periods of time

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits package

  • Structured training and support from experienced professionals

  • Excellent entry point into the coatings and chemicals industry

  • Opportunity to develop practical, real-world laboratory skills

  • Clear pathway for career progression within a growing organisation