Laboratory Technician

About the Company

Italmatch Chemicals, established in 1998, is a prominent global specialty chemicals manufacturer backed by private equity. Focused on advanced solutions in water treatment, lubricants, energy, specialties, and oleochemicals, the company operates 20 production plants and 8 R&D centers worldwide, employing over 1,100 people across 16 countries. Headquartered in Italy, Italmatch generates annual revenues near €700 million and integrates sustainability and circular economy principles in its innovation and manufacturing processes globally.

Position Overview

This role is located at the Eastern Hemisphere Laboratory in Aberdeen and involves supporting the testing, evaluation, and advancement of innovative oilfield chemical products for multinational clientele spanning North America, LATAM, APAC, MENA, and Europe. The technician will also provide technical assistance to internal business development teams and might occasionally travel internationally.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform quality control, application, and performance testing of chemical products within a laboratory setting.
• Contribute to the research, formulation, qualification, and commercialization phases of new product development.
• Maintain meticulous records of testing protocols, outcomes, and product data.
• Collaborate with technical and commercial teams to enhance laboratory test methods as needed.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance, health, safety, environmental, and COSHH regulations.
• Deliver technical support to clients and business teams regarding product performance and quality control across oilfield disciplines.
• Participate in product development and research projects including design, blending, testing, and commercialization processes.
• Prepare detailed reports, technical papers, and presentations to bolster market presence and reputation.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and associated documentation in line with management and safety systems.
• Support innovation through proper record keeping to enable patent applications.
• Stay updated on scientific literature and industry developments relevant to functional products within the company’s portfolio.
• Design and conduct experiments, analyse results, draw conclusions, and iterate hypotheses where necessary.
• Develop prototype samples suitable for plant-scale customer evaluation, addressing potential production or quality challenges proactively.
• Translate theoretical concepts into practical production processes, clear instructions, analytical methods, and research reports.
• Exemplify proactive safety behaviours, consistent communication on safety with colleagues, and compliance with HSEQ policies.
• Manage safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in accordance with COSHH, maintaining a clean and secure laboratory environment.
• Adhere to quality assurance procedures to ensure traceability.

Qualifications and Experience

• Higher qualifications in a science-related discipline.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Preferably some prior knowledge or experience in the oil and gas chemical services sector.
• Familiarity with laboratory instruments and strong numerical and computer skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Capacity to work both independently without direct supervision and collaboratively within teams.

Workplace and Reporting

This position is based at the Bridge of Don site in Aberdeen and reports directly to the Global Technical Development Manager for Well Technology at the Aberdeen facility.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Italmatch Chemicals is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company is an equal opportunities employer that values applicants' qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.