Bio-based Polymer Processing Scientist - Scale-up

Chemistry for Sustainability; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contribution

25 days annual leave

Office and lab facilities

Job summary

Phast is seeking a Materials Scientist to lead the development and scale-up of bio-based polymer formulations and processing from lab concepts to industrial manufacture. The role focuses on extrusion, compounding and polymer characterisation in a hands-on environment.

You will work at the interface of materials science and manufacturing, taking ownership of formulation development and processing optimisation. Expect travels within the UK/EU up to 10%.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Chemistry or related discipline
• Industrial experience developing polymer formulations
• Experience operating twin-screw compounders
• Strong understanding of polymer processing principles
• Experience with thermoplastics processing
• Experience with reactive extrusion techniques (e.g., grafting, chain modification, compatibilisation)
• Knowledge of polymer additives and their functions
• Experience analysing mechanical and thermal properties of polymers
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments; strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new polymer formulations based on bio-based and biodegradable polymers
• Operate and optimise twin-screw extrusion process
• Develop compounding recipes using fillers, fibers, plasticisers and functional additives
• Scale formulations from laboratory to pilot and manufacturing scale
• Process materials using extrusion and, where appropriate, other forming processes
• Characterise polymers using mechanical, thermal and rheological techniques
• Interpret material data to guide formulation improvements
• Collaborate with partners and equipment manufacturers during development
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure high-quality records
• Support grant-funded R&D programmes and collaborative projects
• Travel within UK/EU up to 10% of the time

Skills

Twin-screw extrusion

Polymer processing

Reactive extrusion

Polymer additives

Mechanical properties

Thermal analysis

Experiment design

Problem solving

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Chemistry or related

Job description

Phast is seeking a Materials Scientist to lead the development and scale-up of bio-based polymer formulations and processing from lab concepts to industrial manufacture. The role focuses on extrusion, compounding and polymer characterisation in a hands-on environment.

You will work at the interface of materials science and manufacturing, taking ownership of formulation development and processing optimisation. Expect travels within the UK/EU up to 10%.