R&D Chemistry Technician

Job title: R&D Chemistry Technician

Department: Research & Development

Location: Southampton, The Vision Centre

GLS: TE2

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday (onsite)

A brighter future awaits you

Job Summary

The R&D Chemistry Technician supports the execution of research and development projects through the preparation of materials, laboratory testing, data collection and the maintenance of laboratory operations. The role contributes to the development of innovative contact lens materials, products and processes while ensuring compliance with quality, safety and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Follow SOPs, work instructions and laboratory safety requirements.
• Prepare monomer mixtures, solutions and test materials in accordance with approved procedures.
• Perform material and metrology testing of contact lens materials and products using appropriate instrumentation.
• Accurately record and communicate experimental data and observations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in accordance with procedures and report any equipment issues or defects.
• Support project teams through timely execution of experimental work.
• Work effectively with colleagues across R&D to support project delivery.
• Maintain laboratory housekeeping standards and support continuous improvement activities.
• Manage laboratory consumables and coordinate ordering and stock control activities.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 1-2 years’ experience in a laboratory or high-volume manufacturing environment at Technician/Operator Level.
• Contact lens laboratory or manufacturing experience is preferable.
• Experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) accurately and consistently.
• Willingness and ability to learn new laboratory techniques, processes and test methods.
• Good literacy, numeracy and communication skills, with the ability to accurately record and communicate data with a high level of attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively and adapt to changing project demands.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), laboratory safety requirements and the safe handling of chemicals, including COSHH.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Experience in the use, care and routine maintenance of (laboratory) equipment.
• Practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Monomer preparation
• Solution preparation
• pH, osmolality and viscosity testing
• Contact lens material testing (e.g. refractive index (RI), water content)
• Contact lens metrology measurements (e.g. Diameter, Base Curve, Power).

Committed to quality, continuous improvement and safe working practices.

What we offer:

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including, bonus, health cash plan, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more!

We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours.

We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in you career and grow with CooperVision.

What you can expect:

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering a diverse and inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success. With our CooperPride, African Descent, Woman’s Impact Network and Mind Body and Wellbeing Employee Resource Groups, we offer opportunities for employees to learn and grow within an inclusive and safe space.

Please view our careers page at to view all other opportunities.

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