Customer Innovation Scientist

ACS Business Performance Ltd; Launceston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials science company in Launceston seeks a Customer Innovation Scientist to lead product development initiatives. This role involves hands-on laboratory work and collaboration with customers to design high-performance materials. Candidates should possess a degree in Chemistry or a closely related field and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, along with a passion for innovation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a technical, materials, or product development role.
• Exposure to Six Sigma or similar methodologies is preferred.
• Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer-driven product development projects.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to develop tailored materials.
• Manage laboratory and pilot-scale trials.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Project management

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Customer Innovation Scientist

Location: Launceston

Employment: Permanent

Overview

This position would suit a technically minded scientist who enjoys solving real-world customer challenges through innovation. The role focuses on developing and scaling new material solutions for a wide range of industrial applications, particularly in sustainable and emerging technologies. It combines hands‑on laboratory work, customer collaboration, and technical project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage customer‑driven product development projects from concept through to commercialisation.
• Work directly with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to create tailored, high‑performance materials aligned with specific end‑use needs.
• Provide technical input on process optimisation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage laboratory and pilot‑scale trials, ensuring consistent quality and successful scale‑up.
• Use structured problem‑solving tools (such as Six Sigma) to design experiments and analyse performance data.
• Support wider business priorities, including compliance, IP management, and safety protocols.
• Build strong technical relationships with customers, becoming a trusted advisor and key point of contact.
• Occasionally travel to customer sites or industry events.

Skills and Experience

• Degree (or higher) in Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in a technical, materials, or product development role.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, ideally with exposure to Six Sigma or project management methodologies.
• Confident communicator, able to bridge technical and commercial discussions.
• Organised, detail‑focused, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Motivated by innovation, collaboration, and delivering tangible results for customers.