Our client, a key player within the Chemical Sector, are currently looking for a Technical Manager to join their team based in the North-Mid Wales/North West of England area.Technical Manager will lead the technical department ensuring it effectively and efficiently meets the current and future needs of the business.
The roles and responsibilities of this Technical Manager position will include:
Leading and managing the Technical and Laboratory Functions.
Ensuring efficient management systems, working practices and reporting systems are in place.
To reorganise the department into a flexible, efficient resource that meets the varying technical needs of the business – today and tomorrow.
Clarify the roles and responsibilities within the Technical Department and introduce management by objectives, appraisals and similar techniques to monitor and manage performance and outputs.
Keep abreast of legislative and technology changes and manage the threats and / or opportunities they bring.
Establish first class housekeeping, health and safety, MSDS management and similar laboratory procedures.
The ideal candidate for this Technical Manager position will possess an HNC qualification in chemistry or degree in chemistry (or equivalent). Previous experience of working with formulations/ coatings/ paints in a laboratory environment is essential and the candidate will be expected to possess excellent communication, problem solving, leadership, planning and organisation skills and be a good team player. A knowledge of industrial and marine coatings is also desirable but is not essential. Candidates must be eligible to work in the EEA.
How to Apply
To hear more or to apply for this Technical Manager role, please contact Victoria Walker on 0114 283 9956 vwalker@ckscience.co.uk. Please quote reference SH19409 in all correspondence.
If you do not hear back from us within 5 working days of your application for this role, it means that on this occasion you have not been shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment campaign.
About CK Science
CK Science is the largest independent scientific recruitment company in the UK. Our team of specialist recruiters are here to help you achieve your career ambitions within the scientific industry. We actively offer you careers advice, help with writing your CV, assistance with interview preparation and up-to-date information about the industry. We pride ourselves on providing an honest, straight-forward and trustworthy service to both our clients and candidates.
- Type out potential interview questions and prepare answers for them.
- Use the STAR technique when answering questions. Describe the situation, then the task, then the actions and finally the results you attained. This will prevent you from answering interview questions vaguely, ensuring you get to the point.
- Create short stories outlining your main successes for each employer you have worked for. It is useful to use the format of (Problem-Analysis-Result, or Situation-Action-Response). These also make great bullet points on your résumé!
- One day before your interview, pack your bag with everything you might need – paper, pens, your CV, mints, a bottle of water etc.
- Prepare your outfit – dressing smartly will ultimately increase your confidence and help banish their nerves.
2. Role playing: Practice the night before an interview. Put on your interview clothes, sit in front of a mirror and run through the questions the interviewer is likely to ask you. This may sound silly, but it will really help cut down on your nerves.
3. Get a good night’s sleep! Feeling tired the next day will only make you feel more worried and less prepared – increasing your stress even more!
4. Have a good breakfast: It might be difficult to eat on a churning stomach, but food it good for the brain and will help you remain focused throughout the interview. Make sure you eat at least one hour before your interview to give your food enough time to digest.
5. Perhaps the interviewer will be nervous too? Consider the interview from your interviewer’s point of view: Undoubtedly they will feel the pressure to ensure that the interview flows well.
6. Give yourself a pep talk:
YOU are the most well-qualified, well-spoken, well-mannered, intelligent, personable and professional candidate the client will ever interview. No one is more qualified for this position than YOU!
7. Be honest: When you walk into the interview room, don’t be afraid to mention that you are feeling nervous. You will often find that once you have mentioned it, your nerves will fade.
8. Remember that you are also interviewing THEM. As the interviewer asks you questions, at the end of your answer, try to ask the interviewer a relevant question. All of a sudden, you and the interviewer are having a discussion, not a one-sided interview.
9. Arrive early: Aim to get to arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview is scheduled to start. Running late will only increase those stress levels.
10. Don’t be afraid to be nervous! Above all, don’t be afraid of being nervous. In a high stress situation, nerves will help you. They will essentially enable to you respond quickly to questions and will make you more aware of what’s going on around you.
There are a number ‘feel good’ buzzwords or phrases that you should use on your CV or application to help make your CV or application form sparkle.
The following competencies and associated keywords may help you when putting together a CV or application form when applying for your next job in science:
Do you have any ideas as to other buzzwords you think might help a CV or application form stand out from the crowd? Please leave your thoughts in the comments box below.
Our client, a global industry leader in Consumer & Medical Device Technology, are currently looking for a Quality Engineer to work from their state-of-the-art Manufacturing facilities based in Suffolk.
Joining their Quality Engineering Team, you will be responsible for developing and implementing key manufacturing improvements in line with continual improvement activities such as 5S, Kaizen & Lean Manufacturing.
As a Quality Engineer, you will also be involved in conducting audits utilising a range of quality tools (FMEA, Control Plan, 8D, Lean) in line with relevant quality standards (ISO 13485, 19001) as well as implementing non conformance reports and root cause analysis in order to ensure corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) are taken.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a world leader in Technology Development & Manufacturing, which in return offers an attractive salary and benefits package as well as strong career progression.
To be considered for this Quality Engineer role, you will have a degree or equivalent in an Engineering or Scientific Discipline and proven practical experience within a Manufacturing and/or Medical Device Environment including Black Belt or the potential to achieve. Demonstrated experience of quality tools (FMEA, Control Plan, 8D, PPAP, DFSS, Lean Manufacturing) and knowledge of quality standards (ISO 13485, 19001) are essential for this role.
How to Apply
If you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Andrew Bolton on 01438 723 500 or email abolton@ckscience.co.uk. Please quote reference ST19410 in all correspondence.
If you do not hear back from us within 5 working days of your application for this role, it means that on this occasion you have not been shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment campaign. Entitlement to work in the EEA is essential.
About CK Science
CK Science is the largest independent scientific recruitment company in the UK. Our team of specialist recruiters are here to help you achieve your career ambitions within the scientific industry. We actively offer you careers advice, help with writing your CV, assistance with interview preparation and up-to-date information about the industry. We pride ourselves on providing an honest, straight-forward and trustworthy service to both our clients and candidates.
According to a report by The Royal Society, if the UK does not invest heavily in science and scientific research, it will face decades of sluggish economic decline.
The report warned that Britain’s current advantage is in danger of being wiped out by the US, China, India, France and Germany who have increased spending in science to help boost their economies. For instance, the German government has said it will increase their budget for education and research by 12bn Euros by 2013.
Sir Martin Taylor, chair of the report’s advisory group stated: “As France announces a new €35bn investment in the knowledge economy, the UK cuts university budgets by £600m, with the threat of more to come.
“The UK has been in the top two of the scientific premier league for the last 350 years. It would seem obvious that politicians would recognise the need to invest in this competitive advantage rather than cutting funds.”
Lord Waldegrave, former Science Minister and provost of Eton College said: “Times are tough but this is exactly when you need to invest in the future and focus spending where you already have an advantage.
“Investment in science cannot be turned on and off on a political whim – we must have a long-term investment. If we cut science now, just as the benefits of nearly twenty years of consistent policy are really beginning to bear fruit, we will seriously damage our economic prospects.”
The report praises the fact that patents granted to UK universities have increase by 136% between 2000 and 2008, and that university spin outs employed 14,000 people in 2007/2008 with a turnover of £1.1bn. However, it seems that research and development is a weakness for the UK – in 2007 British companies spent 1.14% of GDP on R&D while in the US spent 1.9% and Germany 1.8%.
Experts in the field recommend the following to help remedy the situation:
Creating a 15 year framework for science and innovation with increased spending.
Prioritising investment in scientific skills and infrastructure, such as laboratories and equipment.
Better aligning science and innovation with global challenges.
Revitalising science and mathematics education.
And expanding the R&D tax credit.
Lord Sainsbury, the former science minister and member of the advisory group said: “We cannot compete with countries such as China and India on the basis of low wages, and science and innovation must, therefore, be the basis of the strategy for growth which we need to have as we go into a tough period of fiscal consolidation.”
Napp Pharmaceutical Holdings, part of a worldwide association of independent pharmaceutical companies, has been announced as the 5th best company to work for by The Sunday Times. This is the first time in the 4 years the company has entered the contest, that they have broken into the top 5.
According to the survey conducted by The Sunday Times, one in five employees at Napp has worked at the company for over a decade. Further impressive findings include:
84% of staff believe the company makes a difference to the world.
83% love working for the company and are happy with their pay and benefits.
69% of staff believe they are paid fairly for the work they do relative to others in the organization.
71% say their salary reflects their responsibilities.
77% of staff report that Managers regularly express their appreciation when a team member does a good job.
80% believe that working at Napp is good for personal growth.
This positive culture at Napp has been the product of Managing Director, Antony Mattessich. He introduced the company ‘charter’ which established four core aims of the organization. This initiative allows employees to have their say on the direction of the business, giving them the freedom to discuess with the departments as to how they can help the firm meet its objectives.
Julie Worth, Area Sales Manager, has been part of the charter group. “It just amazed me — I was actually having a say in how the business was run,” she says. “You’re working with directors and you learn that people are genuinely approachable. They really listen.”
Mattessich’s positive impact on the company was reflected in the results of the survey conducted by The Sunday Times:
73% of employees agree that senior managers listen to staff.
81% feel inspired by Mattessich’s leadership.
87% of employees are proud to work for the company.
So, what in your opinion makes a company a good place to work? Please feel free to share your comments and stories below.
Our client, a global leader in pharmaceuticals, are currently looking for an Analytical Chemist to join their team based in the North East of England on a long term contract basis (12 months initially).
This Analytical Chemist role is based in a manufacturing environment and will involve you will carry out a range of analytical tests including HPLC, GC, FTIR and other techniques.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to gain industrial experience for your CV as the client is highly respected within the pharmaceutical industry.
The ideal candidate for this Analytical Chemist role will be educated to degree, HNC, or A Level in Chemistry and will have recent demonstrable experience working in a laboratory environment although training will be given.
If you are interested in hearing more about this Analytical Chemist role, please contact Heather Deagle on 0191 3848905 or email hdeagle@ckscience.co.uk.
If you do not hear back from us within 5 working days of your application for this role, it means that on this occasion you have not been shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment campaign. Entitlement to work in the UK is essential. Please quote reference DH19363 in all correspondence.
CK Science is the largest independent scientific recruitment company in the UK. Our team of specialist recruiters are here to help you achieve your careerambitions within the scientific industry. We actively offer you careers advice, help with writing your CV, assistance with interview preparation and up-to-date information about the industry. We pride ourselves on providing an honest, straight-forward and trustworthy service to both our clients and candidates.
Our client is an environmental testing laboratory that provides analytical services for a range of clients who are based in the North East of England.
This company is currently looking for an analytical chemist to join their team to work mainly on GC but also in other analytical instrumentation as and when required. As a GC Analyst, you may also be required to provide support to other chemists within the team and provide general support around the laboratory.
The ideal candidate for this GC Analyst role must be qualified to a minimum HNC in chemistry or related scientific subject or possess equivalent industrial experience with some experience of working with GC.
If you would like to hear more about this GC Analyst role, please contact Barney Smith on 0191 384 8905 or email bsmith@ckscience.co.uk. Please quote reference DH19335 in all correspondence.
CK Science is the largest independent scientific recruitment company in the UK. Our team of specialist recruiters are here to help you achieve your career ambitions within the scientific industry. We actively offer you careers advice, help with writing your CV, assistance with interview preparation and up-to-date information about the industry. We pride ourselves on providing an honest, straight-forward and trustworthy service to both our clients and candidates.
Our client, a manufacturer of specialised inks and coatings based in Scotland, is currently looking for a Development Chemist to join their inks development team.
As a Development Chemist you will lead projects on new and existing inks and coatings which will involve managing them through conception to launch. This will include planning, sourcing raw materials, R&D testing, maintaining and updating technical documentation and off site technical support.
In return, you will receive an excellent benefits package including excellent working conditions, 25 days holiday (+ public holidays) and pension scheme.
The ideal candidate for this Development Chemist job will be qualified to degree level in Chemistry, or possess equivalent industrial experience, along with a proven track record in the development of coatings and inks. You must also have working knowledge of ISO standards, knowledge of experimental design and possess experience of working with a broad range of analytical instrumentation. Entitlement to work in the UK is essential.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Development Chemist to develop their career with a leading manufacturer of specialised inks and coatings.
If you would like to hear more about this Development Chemist job, please contact Barney Smith on 0191 384 8905 or email bsmith@ckscience.co.uk.
CK Science is the largest independent scientific recruitment company in the UK. Our team of specialist recruiters are here to help you achieve your career ambitions within the scientific industry. We actively offer you careers advice, help with writing your CV, assistance with interview preparation and up-to-date information about the industry. We pride ourselves on providing an honest, straight-forward and trustworthy service to both our clients and candidates.
Our client, a leading waste management organisation, is currently looking for an Analytical Chemist to work in the waste sector at their site in the North West of England. This Analytical Chemist role includes shift work and is on a temp to perm basis.
Reporting to the Assistant Site Manager/Operations Manager, the key responsibilities of this Analytical Chemist job will include:
To ensure site license, working plan and storage conditions regarding waste treatment and transfer are adhered to
To ensure effective operation of all site processes
To test for and identify treatment processes for all incoming drummed waste
To sample all processes on site and complete daily analysis records
To liaise with Site Manager regarding the inputs to the site and where necessary make recommendations based on chemical knowledge
To ensure that all records are accurate and up to date
To work closely with site operations, customer services and sales
To undertake site audits
To maintain and update local site procedures
To investigate alternative treatment methods available on the site
To liaise with regulatory authorities
The ideal candidate for this Analytical Chemist job will possess an HNC qualification in chemistry or degree in chemistry (or equivalent). Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment is required and the candidate will be expected to possess excellent communication, planning and organisation skills and be a good team player. Candidates must be eligible to work in the EEA.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to develop their career with a one of the UK’s leading waste management companies.
If you would like more information about this Analytical Chemist role, please contact Victoria Walker on 0114 283 9956 or email vwalker@ckscience.co.uk. Please quote reference SH19299 in all correspondence.
CK Science is the largest independent scientific recruitment company in the UK. Our team of specialist recruiters are here to help you achieve your career ambitions within the scientific industry. We actively offer you careers advice, help with writing your CV, assistance with interview preparation and up-to-date information about the industry. We pride ourselves on providing an honest, straight-forward and trustworthy service to both our clients and candidates.
