Graduate Scientist

ghd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

ghd in Cambridge is seeking a Graduate Scientist to join the Hair Science Research team. You will work on hair structure, fibre chemistry, and product performance, gaining hands-on lab experience in a commercial R&D setting.

You will contribute to experimental studies, develop methods under guidance from senior scientists, and help generate robust data to underpin product development and scientific claims.

Qualifications

• Degree in a scientific discipline (BSc or MSc) with a focus on hair science, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, or physics.
• Strong understanding of scientific methodology, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow laboratory protocols.
• Curiosity for learning new techniques, instruments, and concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide claims feasibility and substantiation testing of products.
• Conduct lab tests across product development with appropriate sample sizes.
• Generate and interpret experimental data with scientific rigour.
• Oversee end-user testing on-site and at the ghd London studio when required.
• Support experimental design and protocol development under guidance.

Skills

Hair science

Materials science

Chemistry

Data analysis

Experimental design

Lab techniques

Teamwork

Education

BSc/MSc in Hair Science

BSc/MSc in Materials Science

Chemistry/related scientific discipline

Tools

Infrared cameras

Thermocouples

Lab power supplies

Job description

We are seeking a curious, motivated, and scientifically driven Graduate Scientist to join our Hair Science Research team. This role is ideal for a recent graduate with a strong interest in hair biology, fibre science, and applied research within consumer product innovation.

You will contribute to experimental studies focused on hair structure, fibre chemistry, thermal behaviour, and product performance, supporting the development of scientifically differentiated hair care and styling technologies. Working alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and project teams, you will help generate robust data to underpin product development, performance claims, and long‑term hair science capability.

This role offers hands‑on laboratory experience, exposure to cutting‑edge tools and technologies, and the opportunity to build deep technical understanding in applied hair science within a commercial R&D environment.

This is an opportunity to contribute to innovative research projects with real‑world impact by providing lab-tested substantiation of product performance to support scientific claims. To support hair science research programs internally to build understanding, knowledge, and value to ghd.

LOCATION

This role will be based in our Cambridge R&D facility.

JOB ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Claims Testing and Validation:

• Provide scientific claims feasibility and substantiation testing of products to meet Marketing and regulatory requirements.
• Claims testing in lab throughout product development, using an appropriate sample size of products and hair samples.
• Generate, analyse, and interpret experimental data with scientific rigour.
• Use of test equipment including thermocouples, infrared cameras, and lab power supplies.
• Product analysis and benchmarking to support market claims.
• Supervise and observe end‑user testing on‑site and occasionally in the ghd London studio.

Research & Development:

• Contribute to ongoing quantitative and qualitative research into hair fibres, biological materials, and hair-product interactions.
• Support experimental design, protocol development, and method optimisation under guidance from senior scientists.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports, and data repositories to ensure traceability and reproducibility.
• Stay curious and informed about emerging hair science, materials, and measurement techniques relevant to product innovation.

Task Management:

• Support multiple projects in parallel, providing regular updates to ensure milestones and deadlines are met.
• Collaborate effectively with scientists, lab technicians, engineers, project managers, and external partners.
• Contribute to internal presentations, technical summaries, and knowledge‑sharing activities.

REQUIREMENTS & ATTRIBUTES

• Degree educated (BSc or MSc) in Hair Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Physics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong understanding of scientific methodology, experimental design, and data analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to follow and develop laboratory protocols accurately.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new techniques, instruments, and scientific concepts.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks or experiments concurrently.
• Strong team player, with good communication skills and confidence working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Initiative-taking, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• An interest in hair and hair science would be desirable.

WHO ARE WE?

Iconic British brand ghd is a global leader in high end professional hair styling tools and the UK’s number one recommended styling brand. Loved by stylists and consumers, loved by press, and loved by the people that work for the brand!

Merging science and innovation, with luxury beauty and style; ghd combines cutting edge technologies and beautiful designs to create the most technically advanced hair tools in the world.

Developed by leading scientists and engineers in the dedicated ghd R&D laboratories in Cambridge, ghd tools deliver "safer for hair" heat styling that have become an essential part of the daily lives of professional hair stylists and consumers globally.

Renowned for game changing innovation and superior performance, at ghd we are on a mission to transform lives with the power of a good hair day!

VALUES

We at ghd are proudly committed to our Company Values and aim to attract and retain employees who live our Values.

• Collaborative – We work together to create the extraordinary.
• Creative – We foster creativity & excellence to create value for our brands and business.
• Courageous – We are agile, entrepreneurial & we own our future.
• Connected – We stay connected and ensure we are always consumer first.
• Committed – We are responsible for our impact on others & the planet.

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