Chemist/Materials Scientist

Cambridge Consultants; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Company bonus (profit share)

Flexible working & hybrid patterns

Medical insurance & income protection

Employee assistance & mental health

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Sabbatical leave

Pension plan

Career development & training

Free breakfast & two-course lunch

Onsite parking & transport links

Job summary

Cambridge Consultants seeks a Chemist/Materials Scientist to apply chemistry and materials expertise to a range of engineering challenges across energy, healthcare, sustainability and manufacturing. You will work with engineers and commercial teams to translate research findings into practical, market-ready solutions.

The role involves hands-on experimentation, project planning and delivering results that support product development while navigating security clearances when required.

Qualifications

• Design and execute experimental programmes to investigate complex chemistry and materials science challenges.
• Broad understanding of chemistry and materials principles and their applications to technical problems.
• Hands-on practical science with ability to translate findings into practical engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing experimental programmes to investigate chemistry and materials challenges.
• Applying scientific knowledge to developing cutting-edge technologies across sectors.
• Collaborating with engineers, scientists and commercial teams to translate findings into solutions.
• Communicating complex concepts clearly to colleagues and clients.

Skills

Experimental design

Chemistry knowledge

Materials science

Communication skills

Education

Chemistry/Materials PhD

Job description

Overview

Are you motivated by the prospect of applying your theoretical knowledge and experimental excellence to real-world engineering challenges? Join our team of talented scientists, mathematicians and engineers to develop future leading-edge systems. If you have a passion for innovation and technology, we can offer a rich variety of technical challenges and opportunities for personal development.

Chemistry and Materials Science are core capabilities at Cambridge Consultants, and we are looking for a Chemist/Materials Scientist who can apply their skills to a wide range of engineering challenges and is excited by the prospect of being at the forefront of bringing skills from chemistry and materials to product developments.

Examples of recent work undertaken include:

• Research and design for liquid nitrogen repelling ultra-low energy surfaces for superconductor cooling in next-generation subsea energy transmission systems.
• Design, simulation and testing of ultrasonic transducers for novel sensing systems in extreme environments.
• Experimental design and execution to support development of microwave systems, including industrial drying processes and determination of dielectric properties of molten rocks at GHz frequencies.
• Techno-commercial due diligence services for a global investment fund to support their expansion into NextGen energy transition and sustainability infrastructure, including battery technologies, mineral extraction, high value recycling and hydrogen production.
• Analysis and prototyping to address complex chemistry and materials challenges for medical products, such as inkjet printing onto microneedle arrays and in-situ modification of material properties using a femtosecond laser.

What you'll be doing:

• Designing and executing experimental programmes to investigate complex chemistry and materials science challenges.
• Applying scientific knowledge to support the development of cutting-edge technologies across sectors including energy, healthcare, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
• Working collaboratively with engineers, scientists and commercial teams to translate technical findings into practical engineering solutions.
• Communicating complex technical concepts and results clearly to colleagues and clients.

What you need to succeed:

• An excellent first degree and/or PhD in chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline
• A broad understanding of a wide range of chemistry and materials principles, and an ability to identify their applicability to a variety of technical challenges
• A desire to apply chemistry and materials science to real-world product developments, working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• An enjoyment of hands-on practical science, combined with an ability to structure a technical plan appropriately to meet the wider commercial objectives of a project

In addition, expertise or experience in the following areas will be beneficial:

• Utilisation of chemistry or materials science in a commercial setting such as applied R&D or application engineering
• Physical chemistry, including material properties, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry
• Transport phenomena and the practical application of chemistry to the behaviour and processing of fluids
• Multiparameter selection or modelling of materials for mechanical, electronic, optical, thermal or chemical applications
• A strong understanding of other scientific disciplines such as physics or biochemistry, and familiarity with design considerations arising from associated engineering disciplines (for example electronics, software or mechanical engineering)

Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check (SC) level security clearance ( United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant ). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

Please be aware that, for roles requiring Security Check clearance, applicants will typically need to have been continuously resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years immediately prior to applying for this role in order to meet the requirements for Security Check (SC) clearance.

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the option to buy 10 more a year)
• Company bonus (profit share)
• Flexible working patterns and hybrid working
• Medical insurance and group income protection
• Employee assistance programme and mental health support group
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• Sabbatical leave
• Travel insurance (business and leisure)
• Generous company pension plan
• Personalised career development and training plans
• Free breakfast and two-course lunch in the office every day
• Free onsite parking and we are close to public transport links
• A variety of events organised by our social committee, ranging from summer and Christmas parties to board game nights and socials at our own rooftop bar!

Why Cambridge Consultants?

At Cambridge Consultants, you'll contribute to radical, new-to-the-world innovation that transforms business, society and the planet. Joining our multidisciplinary teams means helping to turn bold ideas into reality, harnessing the power of deep tech to create products, services and experiences that have never existed before. Whether you're advancing technologies, shaping strategy, supporting operations or driving commercial growth, it's an opportunity to make a real impact and help create the future.

By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.