Senior Scientist (Chemical Detection)

Location: Hemel Hempstead, UK; regular travel to Salisbury required.

Company

hirify.global develops, manufactures, and manages security and threat-detection solutions for aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

What you will do

• Lead scientific investigations, research activities, and work packages across the Innovation portfolio.
• Design and execute experiments addressing complex technical questions.
• Develop and evaluate novel chemical, explosives, and narcotics detection technologies.
• Assess emerging technologies, support prototype development, and produce proof-of-principle demonstrators.
• Analyse, model, and interpret complex datasets while preparing technical reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with universities, research organisations, government bodies, technology partners, customers, and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience leading scientific investigations or research activities.
• Strong experimental design, scientific problem-solving, and advanced data-analysis skills.
• Experience developing, modifying, troubleshooting, or evaluating scientific instrumentation.
• Ability to work independently, define scientific approaches, and communicate recommendations to senior technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC) and meet UK Five Eyes security requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience with Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Mass Spectrometry, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray technologies, or analytical chemistry instrumentation.
• Background in instrument development, detection technologies, defence, security, forensics, or related markets.
• Experience with prototype development, proof-of-concept activities, and new product innovation programmes.

Culture & Benefits

• Training and career-growth opportunities across the business, locally and globally.
• Inclusive working environment with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing.
• Flexible benefits supporting health, wellbeing, financial needs, and lifestyle requirements.
• Permanent, full-time employment.