Formulation Scientists and Coloration Scientists

Keracol Limited; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Keracol Limited is seeking Formulation Scientists and Coloration Scientists to join their R&D team in Leeds. The roles involve developing innovative formulations for hair and skin care products. Candidates should have a relevant master's degree and experience in R&D labs. The company offers competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive Salaries

Share Scheme

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Research experience in a commercial R&D lab.
• Understanding of laboratory safety procedures (e.g., COSHH).
• Experience in skin/hair care formulation and product design.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to developing new technologies, ingredients, formulations, and applications.
• Involve in laboratory research to commercial production.
• Work on projects across haircare, skincare, and colorant products.

Skills

Teamwork

Presentation

Interpersonal Skills

Innovative Mindset

Effective Communication

Education

Masters-level degree in a relevant science field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

NMR

UV-Vis

FT-IR

MS

Job description

Full Job Description

Formulation Scientists and Coloration Scientists - Keracol Limited, Leeds, UK

Keracol is seeking enthusiastic, detail-oriented scientists with experience in cosmetic formulation, colour chemistry, and/or organic chemistry to join our expanding R&D team. Successful candidates will contribute to developing new technologies, ingredients, formulations, and applications across our haircare, skincare, hair coloration, and other colorant products. These roles involve a variety of projects, from laboratory research to commercial production. These are permanent positions with a 3-month probation period.

About Keracol

Keracol is a spin-out from The University of Leeds, committed to sustainability and performance. We combine physical science with innovative applications to produce natural, sustainable products in hair dyes, colour cosmetics, hair and skin care, and sun care. Our expertise includes organic chemistry, colour chemistry, polymer chemistry, extraction, and natural products chemistry. We develop novel extraction methods from plant sources, utilizing renewable and waste materials to create extracts for consumer beauty products, meeting the demand for natural ingredients. We collaborate with multinational partners on research and product development.

Our Offer

As we grow, we reward employee loyalty with excellent opportunities, competitive salaries, a share scheme, and a supportive work environment. The laboratory and office are located in Nexus, a state-of-the-art facility at The University of Leeds campus.

Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Application Deadline: 31/05/2025, with early applications encouraged.

Application Requirements: Submit a full CV and covering letter explaining your suitability for the role.

Visa Note: We cannot sponsor visa applications. The position is open to British and Irish citizens, those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or individuals with the right to work in the UK without a visa.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Note: Candidates are not expected to meet all criteria but should highlight relevant skills:

• Masters-level degree in a relevant science field
• Research experience in a commercial R&D lab
• Understanding of laboratory safety procedures (e.g., COSHH)
• Strong teamwork, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently
• Innovative mindset and ability to generate new ideas
• Effective communication of research results
• Experience in skin/hair care formulation and product design
• Knowledge of colour measurement techniques (CIE Lab, Kubelka-Munk)
• Proficiency with analytical techniques (HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, MS)
• Background in organic chemistry, natural products, dyes, and pigments
• Experience with natural colorants and hair dyes
• Development of cosmetic bases and natural product extraction technologies
• Experience in personal/consumer care sectors
• Understanding of sustainability and green chemistry principles