Nova Biochem - Process Operator​/Technician

Salary: To be negotiated, based on experience

Location: Nottingham, UK

Nova Biochem is a climate-tech company pioneering the transformation of industrial by-products into high-value, sustainable chemicals. Using our proprietary hydrothermal depolymerisation process, we convert lignin-rich residues from pulping and agriculture into renewable aromatic building blocks used in coatings, plastics, and resins - replacing fossil inputs and cutting emissions at the source.

Our mission is to unlock a circular, low-carbon model for industrial chemistry - creating new value from waste while reducing millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Based in Nottingham, we’re entering a scale‑up phase, expanding lab and pilot operations, delivering a €7.5M EU-funded project, and laying the groundwork for commercialisation.

This is a pivotal moment to join a small, mission-driven team determined to reshape the chemical industry through practical innovation.

We are seeking a Process Operator / Technician to run, maintain, and improve Nova’s supercritical water depolymerisation prototype - an essential part of our product development process. You’ll join a small founding lab crew (Depolymerisation, Analytics, Separation) and play a key role in running and keeping the system reliable, efficient, and well‑maintained.

Your day‑to‑day work will involve preparing and processing biomass feedstock, operating the reactor and downstream systems, and performing steps such as acidification, filtration, and product recovery (typical batch size: 20 L). Part of the role involves maintaining the system, identifying wear or inefficiencies, and performing repairs, modifications, and upgrades that improve performance.

Your work will directly support R&D and product validation activities, helping to refine Nova’s depolymerisation technology and laying the groundwork for larger prototypes and future scale‑up operations.

This is a hands‑on, mechanically focused role for someone who enjoys understanding how equipment works, keeping it in top condition, and finding practical solutions to technical challenges.

Process Operations

• Prepare biomass and feedstock for depolymerisation according to established procedures.
• Operate and monitor the depolymerisation prototype and associated systems to ensure smooth and consistent performance.
• Conduct downstream steps including filtration, phase separation, acidification, and product recovery.
• Record process data, materials used, and operational observations accurately.
• Identify and report process deviations, equipment issues, or procedural concerns.
• Ensure safe operation of high‑pressure and high‑temperature systems, following internal safety protocols and applicable regulations.

• Take ownership of routine system upkeep and contribute to continuous improvement of prototype operation (high pressure tubing, pumps, instrumentation)
• Carry out routine inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of the depolymerisation and separation systems.
• Support equipment calibration and troubleshooting of pumps, valves, filters, and fittings etc.
• Assist in implementing process or equipment modifications to improve reliability, efficiency, or safety.
• Help maintain stock of consumables, spare parts, and safety materials.

You are a practical and methodical technician/engineer who takes pride in operating and maintaining equipment accurately and efficiently. You have a strong mechanical understanding and enjoy hands‑on work, whether preparing materials, running the process, or keeping equipment in good condition.

You approach your work with care and consistency, taking responsibility for the systems you operate and maintaining high standards in everything you do. You are observant and dependable, able to recognise small changes or issues before they become problems, and you use your initiative to help improve reliability and workflow.

• Experience operating or maintaining process equipment in an industrial, pilot‑scale, or technical environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence working with pumps, valves, filters, and pressurised systems.
• High attention…