Lead Research Scientist

Croda is a FTSE100 organization driven around our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors. We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilize new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace.

As our business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for a Lead Research Scientist to join our Consumer Care Sector. You will be part of a dedicated team working together to discover and commercialize new sustainable ingredients from marine bacteria and fungi for the consumer care, agriculture, and pharma (excipient) markets. The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to all aspects of chemical characterization of product candidates including metabolomic analysis to prioritize hits from biological screening programs, compound purification, and structure elucidation.

Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter. You will:

1. Apply technical knowledge to develop new microbial biotechnology products to meet market needs.
2. Design and carry out laboratory experiments.
3. Review results and seek answers to problems through data collection and investigation.
4. Decide how to proceed with the next experiment/stage of the project.
5. Assist less experienced staff through the same process.
6. Communicate verbally within the research group and through e-mail and written technical reports.
7. Manage staff at a supervisory level (if applicable).
8. Suggest viable development routes in projects.
9. Plan and run multiple projects to deliver new products on time.
10. Come up with creative and viable solutions to problems.
11. Enhance knowledge of technology area and relevant scientific techniques.

Qualifications:

PhD or MSc in a relevant scientific discipline (chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology). Excellent experimentalist with laboratory experience, preferably in the field of natural product chemistry. The following technical skills are desired:

• Experience in microbial natural product isolation using multiple types of chromatography.
• Experience in natural product structure characterization using modern spectroscopic techniques (MS and NMR).
• Experience in computer-aided metabolomics analysis.
• Experience interpreting bioassay results.
• Ability to progress multiple projects simultaneously.
• Creative and tenacious with good planning and problem-solving skills.
• Good written communication skills, numerate, strong attention to detail.
• Ability to interact constructively within the department and with other departments.
• Adaptable around changing project requirements and priorities.
• Appreciation of IP and regulatory issues.

Don’t meet all the qualifications? We still encourage you to apply! At Croda, we believe diverse perspectives and unique experiences drive innovation and strengthen our team.