Graduate Materials Scientist - Polymers

Merritt Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Merritt Recruitment presents an exciting graduate role with a specialist polymer manufacturer in South East England. This hands-on position covers polymer processing, film extrusion, coating technologies and product development, with structured UK, Europe and North America training.

You will travel within the UK and internationally, joining multidisciplinary teams and developing skills in lab and manufacturing settings.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or equivalent in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Interest in polymers, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Able to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.
• Must have the right to work in the UK and be living in the UK, sponsorship is not provided.

Responsibilities

• Support new product development and process improvement projects.
• Evaluate and test raw materials, suppliers and new technologies.
• Assist with film extrusion trials, process optimisation and manufacturing support.
• Contribute to sustainability, cost reduction and technical innovation initiatives.
• Support laboratory and production-scale testing programmes.
• Assist with the evaluation and implementation of new equipment and instrumentation.
• Work closely with suppliers, technical partners and manufacturing teams across the UK and Europe.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BSc/MSc in Materials Science

Chemistry/Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Characterisation techniques

Job description

Location:

South East England (with UK travel and international training opportunities)

An exciting opportunity for a recent graduate in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering to join a specialist polymer manufacturing company producing high-performance films and coated products for labelling, printing and packaging applications.

This hands-on role offers exposure to polymer processing, film extrusion, coating technologies, product development and industrial manufacturing, with structured training in the UK, Europe and North America.

Key Responsibilities

• Support new product development and process improvement projects.

• Evaluate and test raw materials, suppliers and new technologies.

• Assist with film extrusion trials, process optimisation and manufacturing support.

• Contribute to sustainability, cost reduction and technical innovation initiatives.

• Support laboratory and production-scale testing programmes.

• Assist with the evaluation and implementation of new equipment and instrumentation.

• Work closely with suppliers, technical partners and manufacturing teams across the UK and Europe.

About You

• BSc, MSc or equivalent in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

• Interest in polymers, materials and manufacturing processes.

• Able to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

• Must have the right to work in the UK and be living in the UK, sponsorship is not provided.

Desirable

• Knowledge of polymers, plastics, film extrusion or coating technologies.

• Industrial placement, internship or relevant project experience.

• Experience of laboratory testing or material characterisation.

This is an excellent opportunity to launch a career in advanced materials, polymer processing and manufacturing technology within a growing business investing heavily in innovation, equipment and people. International training and development opportunities with structured career progression.